tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtre-mər 

1

a

: a trembling or shaking usually from physical weakness, emotional stress, or disease

b

: nervous excitement

2

: a quivering or vibratory motion

especially : a discrete small movement following or preceding a major seismic event

3

a

: a feeling of uncertainty or insecurity

a tremor of hesitation

b

: a cause of such a feeling

Synonyms

• earthquake
• quake
• shake
• temblor

Examples of tremor in a Sentence

Small tremors were still being felt several days after the earthquake.

I heard a tremor in her voice.

His tremors were caused by the disease.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mild toxicity may result in vomiting and diarrhea, moderate toxicity may result in hyperexcitability, incoordination, and irregular heart rhythm, and severe toxicity may result in tremors, seizures, and even death. —Kelli Bender, People.com, 29 Oct. 2024

Parkinson's disease is a nervous system disorder that can cause tremors, movement and balance issues and problems with speech. —Becky Sullivan, NPR, 24 Sep. 2024

The tremor, which struck about 12:20 p.m. PT, was felt as far north as Bakersfield, California, and further south in San Diego, both more than 100 miles from Los Angeles. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 12 Aug. 2024

In humans, deep brain stimulation (DBS) targets that region to reduce the motor fluctuations or tremors caused by the condition. —New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tremour, from Anglo-French tremor, from Latin, from tremere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtrem-ər 

1

: a trembling or shaking usually caused by weakness or disease

2

: a quivering or vibrating motion

especially : a small movement of the earth before or after an earthquake

Medical Definition

tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtrem-ər 

: a trembling or shaking usually from physical weakness, emotional stress, or disease

tremors of the hands