tremble.

To shake involuntarily in small repeated movements.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• tremble with fear
• hands tremble
• tremble at the prospect

On the page

Her hands trembled too much to fit the key into the lock.

He began to tremble when the footsteps stopped outside his door.

Although she trembled with fear, she kept the lantern raised.

Usage notes

Primary category: fear. Can result from fear, cold, weakness, or excitement; fear must be established by context. Often sustained and visible in hands or voice. Verb forms (base, third-person singular, past, past participle, -ing): tremble, trembles, trembled, trembled, trembling.