shudder
UK[ˈʃʌdə(r)]US[ˈʃʌdər]
v
To shake suddenly and briefly because you are frightened, cold, or feel strong emotion.
n
A sudden, brief shaking movement of the body caused by fear, cold, or strong emotion.
Etymology
The word 'shudder' originates from Middle English shoderen, a frequentative form related to Middle Dutch schuderen and Old High German scutten, all meaning "to shake." This family of words is thought to be of imitative or expressive origin, mimicking the sound or motion of a rapid, tremulous shake. The core concept has always been a sudden, convulsive tremor, typically involuntary. Over time, its application narrowed from general shaking to specifically describe the physical reaction caused by fear, disgust, cold, or other intense feelings, capturing the visceral, bodily nature of the response.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It functions as a whole unit in modern English.
Examples
She shuddered at the thought of walking home alone in the dark.
A sudden shudder ran through the old house as the train passed by.
I still shudder when I remember the accident.