- shudder
- shud|der1 [ˈʃʌdə US -ər] v[Date: 1100-1200; Origin: Probably from [i]Middle Low German schoderen or Middle Dutch shuderen]1.) to shake for a short time because you are afraid or cold, or because you think something is very unpleasant▪ Maria shuddered as she stepped outside.shudder with▪ I shudder with embarrassment whenever I think I think about it.shudder at▪ She shuddered at the thought that she could have been killed.2.) if a vehicle or machine shudders, it shakes violently▪ The car shuddered briefly as its engine died.▪ The train shuddered to a halt .3.) I shudder to thinkspoken used to say that you do not want to think about something because it is too unpleasant▪ I shudder to think what they'll say when they see the mess the house is in.shudder at [shudder at sth] phr vto think that something is very bad or unpleasant▪ If you love skiing but shudder at the cost, take advantage of our superb family offer.▪ He shuddered at the thought of the conflict ahead.shudder 2shudder2 n [C usually singular]a shaking movement▪ The building gave a sudden shudder .a shudder ran/passed/went through sb▪ A shudder ran through him at the touch of her fingers.
Dictionary of contemporary English. 2013.