What does shiver mean?
A shiver is an involuntary trembling of the body, most commonly caused by cold but also by fear, excitement, or anxiety. Used as a verb, to shiver means to shake in this way. The word can also refer to a brief, localized sensation, as in feeling a shiver run down one’s spine, making it useful for describing sudden emotional reactions. Physiologically, shivering involves rapid, involuntary muscle contractions that can help the body conserve or generate heat. Figuratively, the expression “the shivers” conveys fear or intense nervousness, while “give someone the shivers” describes something that causes fear or unease. Though simple and familiar, the word remains valuable because it distinguishes an involuntary bodily response from the more general movements associated with trembling or shaking.
An involuntary tremor or fit of shaking, especially one caused by cold, fear, or excitement.
"He felt a sudden shiver of fear in the empty corridor."
The plural “the shivers” is an idiomatic expression for fear or nervous trembling.
To shake involuntarily, especially from cold, fear, or excitement.
"The children shivered as they waited outside in the snow."
Often used figuratively for a strong emotional response, such as fear or excitement.
The plural commonly denotes shaking caused by cold or fear; in the idiom “give someone the shivers,” it means to cause fear or unease.
"The empty house at the end of the lane gave them the shivers."
Your body shivers by rapidly contracting muscles to generate heat when it senses cold.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shiver come from?
The word is first attested in Middle English in forms such as shivere or shiveren. Its precise origin is uncertain, and because the meaning and pronunciation have changed, the verb and noun have become fully established forms in modern English.
Related word forms
How shiver is actually used
The word is neutral in register. In its physical sense, it is especially associated with cold, while in figurative contexts it describes fear, excitement, or a visceral emotional reaction. The plural form often has an idiomatic meaning: to give someone the shivers means to frighten or unnerve them.
Easily confused with shiver
A chill is a sudden sensation of cold, whereas a shiver is the physical shaking or trembling that may accompany one.