These words refer to agitated movements that are quick, slight or intense and are often involuntary expressions of strain or discomfort. Shake is the most general and is also unique in this group because it can designate something that is done to as well as by a person or object: shaking his fist in rage; branches shaking in the wind. Quiver is more specific in suggesting a rapid but almost imperceptible vibration: ropes that quivered tautly under his hands; a network of ripples that quivered momentarily across the surface of the still pool; her whole body quivering with delight. Quake suggests specifically a more violent upheaval: the ground quaking beneath them as the artillery barrage began; his heart quaking with panic.

The remaining words apply best to the involuntary shaking of a persons or animal; when they are used of natural objects an anthropomorphic overtone persists. Tremble is like quiver in suggesting a quick but slight movement; to this there are added implications of uneasy or nervous discomposure: hands that trembled with eagerness as the opened the letter; leaves trembling in the faint breeze.

Shiver is like tremble except for specifically suggesting coldness or fear as the cause of the slight, rapid movement: beginning to shiver as the intense cold pervaded the room; shivering inwardly at the thought of having to explain to her mother why she had stayed out so late. Shudder suggests a more intense shaking than either tremble or shiver , suggesting horror, revulsion or extreme pleasure as possible causes for the involuntary movement: shuddering at the touch of his leathery hand. Although shudder may be nearly as intense as quake , it may suggest movement less noticeable to an onlooker: shuddering breathlessly in the doorway until his pursuer had raced past.

These words refer to agitated movements that are quick, slight or intense and are often involuntary expressions of strain or discomfort. Shake is the most general and is also unique in this group because it can designate something that is done to as well as by a person or object: shaking his fist in rage; branches shaking in the wind. Quiver is more specific in suggesting a rapid but almost imperceptible vibration: ropes that quivered tautly under his hands; a network of ripples that quivered momentarily across the surface of the still pool; her whole body quivering with delight. Quake suggests specifically a more violent upheaval: the ground quaking beneath them as the artillery barrage began; his heart quaking with panic.

The remaining words apply best to the involuntary shaking of a person or animal; when they are used of natural objects an anthropomorphic overtone persists. Tremble is like quiver in suggesting a quick but slight movement; to this there are added implications of uneasy or nervous discomposure: hands that trembled with eagerness as she opened the letter; leaves trembling in the faint breeze.

Shiver is like tremble except for specifically suggesting coldness or fear as the cause of the slight, rapid movement: beginning to shiver as the intense cold pervaded the room; shivering inwardly at the thought of having to explain to her mother why she had stayed out so late. Shudder suggests a more intense shaking than either tremble or shiver , suggesting horror, revulsion or extreme pleasure as possible causes for the involuntary movement: shuddering at the touch of his leathery hand. Although shudder may be nearly as intense as quake, it may suggest movement less noticeable to an onlooker: shuddering breathlessly in the doorway until his pursuer had raced past.