shudder UK /ˈʃʌdə/US /ˈʃʌdɚ/noun 2verb 2forms 5 noun2 •A shivering tremor, often from fear or horror.Seeing the spider under his pillow gave John a shudder. •A moment of almost pleasurable fear; a frisson.They name thee before me, / A knell to mine ear; / A shudder comes o'er me— / Why wert thou so dear? — 1816 verb2 •To shake nervously, often from fear or horror.On seeing the spider under his pillow, John shuddered. •To vibrate jerkily. formsshuddered · shuddering · shuddereth · shudders · shudderest