What does tremble mean?
Tremble means to shake slightly or without full control, usually because of fear, cold, excitement, age, illness, or another strong physical or emotional experience. It is a versatile verb: it can describe a person’s hands or voice, a leaf moving in a breeze, or an abstract feeling of fear or uncertainty. As a noun, a tremble is a small shaking movement or sensation, although the singular is more literary or specialized than the verb. Tremble is common in everyday English and can suggest vulnerability or nervous anticipation, while also having a more neutral descriptive use for fine vibrations. Its vocabulary relatives include tremor, an involuntary shaking, and tremulous, meaning nervous or unsteady. The word’s history connects it with Latin tremere, “to shake,” a root reflected in several English words describing movement, fear, or magnitude.
To shake slightly or involuntarily, especially from fear, cold, excitement, or strong emotion.
"His hands trembled as he opened the letter."
Can also describe a fine, continuous movement in an object, such as leaves or water.
An act or sensation of shaking slightly or involuntarily.
"She felt a tremble of excitement as the lights went down."
The noun is less common than the verb and often has a literary or somewhat specialized tone.
The plural is grammatical but uncommon; the singular is usually preferred for one instance.
"The climber felt small trembles of fear as he approached the edge."
From the Latin tremere, meaning “to shake,” tremble belongs to a family of words that also includes tremor and tremendous.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tremble come from?
The English word entered Middle English as a form of tremblen, borrowed from Old French trembler. Old French trembler came from Latin tremere, “to shake, tremble, or be moved by fear.” Latin compounds and derivatives of tremere include tremor and tremulus, while English forms such as tremulous and tremendous continue the same root. The modern verb developed both literal meanings, as with shaking or vibrating objects, and figurative meanings involving fear and emotional disturbance.
Related word forms
How tremble is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal English. It often suggests a small, involuntary movement caused by emotion, fear, cold, or physical weakness; “tremble with fear” is especially idiomatic. In literary contexts, it can also describe a delicate vibration or a general sense of instability.
Easily confused with tremble
A tremble is a shaking movement or sensation, whereas a rumble is usually a deep, continuous noise.