What does jittering mean?
Jittering refers to the act of moving or causing to move with rapid, jerky motions, often due to nervousness, anxiety, or an irregular functioning of a machine. This verb is commonly used in informal contexts to describe physical symptoms of anxiety or nervousness, such as trembling hands or shaking legs. Jittering can also describe the erratic movement of objects or machines, like a malfunctioning engine. The word is closely related to 'jitter,' which can refer to a feeling of nervousness or anxiety. Understanding the nuances of jittering can help in accurately conveying emotions and physical sensations in various situations.
verbTo move or cause to move with a rapid, jerky motion, often due to nervousness or anxiety.
- To move with a rapid, jerky motion
- To experience or exhibit nervous or anxious movements
"Her hands were jittering as she tried to hold the cup of coffee."
"The engine was jittering and sputtering before it finally stalled."
"She couldn't stop jittering during the job interview."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of jittering
The term 'jittering' originates from the verb 'jitter,' which emerged in the early 20th century, likely imitative of the sound of rapid, jerky movements. The verb 'jitter' is associated with the noun 'jitters,' referring to a feeling of nervousness or anxiety. 'Jittering' has developed as a present participle form of 'jitter,' extending its application to describe actions or movements characterized by rapid, irregular motions.
How jittering is actually used
Informal; often used to describe physical symptoms of anxiety or nervousness.