What does shivered mean?
Shivered is the past tense of the verb “shiver,” meaning to shake or tremble, especially because of cold, fear, or another strong emotion. The word can describe the visible movement of a person's body, as in someone shivering in cold weather, or the feeling of fear or excitement that causes such movement. It is also used more broadly for a slight quivering or vibration. In figurative contexts, “shivered” often conveys a response to something unsettling or thrilling: a character may have “shivered with fear,” “shivered at the thought,” or “shivered with delight.” Because it focuses particularly on a physical reaction, the verb can be more vivid and immediate than the general word “trembled.” Its past-tense form is standard in both British and American English and appears in ordinary descriptions, literature, and conversation.
To shake or tremble, especially as a result of cold, fear, or strong emotion.
"The child shivered when thunder sounded outside."
This is the dominant modern sense.
To move or vibrate slightly; to quiver.
"The leaves shivered in the breeze."
This sense is less common than the sense involving a person shaking from cold or emotion.
A shiver is the body's quick response to cold, fear, or excitement—and one of the clearest physical signs that a story has made you feel something.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shivered come from?
The verb “shiver” is an English word that developed through Middle English, with forms related to the modern spelling appearing in medieval usage. Its precise early history is less certain than its later development. The word belongs to a family including the noun “shiver,” the adjective “shivery,” and the verb form “shivered,” all expressing shaking or trembling in related contexts.
Related word forms
How shivered is actually used
The verb is common in both British and American English. It is especially associated with cold and fear, but it is also used for less intense reactions such as excitement or anticipation.
Easily confused with shivered
A shiver is usually a repeated or noticeable shaking caused especially by cold or fear, whereas a shudder often describes a sudden, brief convulsive movement.
To tremble is a broader term for shaking slightly from fear, cold, weakness, or emotion; to shiver often emphasizes the shaking associated with cold or fear.