THE SHIVERS Meaning and
Definition
-
The shivers, also known as shivering or the chills, refer to a bodily reaction characterized by involuntary muscular contractions or quivering, often accompanied by a sensation of coldness or the feeling of "goosebumps" on the skin. This physiological phenomenon is commonly triggered by various stimuli, such as exposure to cold temperatures, fear, excitement, or intense emotional experiences. It is mediated by the autonomic nervous system and is essentially a natural response designed to regulate body temperature or counteract extreme emotional states.
During the shivers, the body employs rapid muscle contractions known as "tremors" in an attempt to generate heat and warm up. This results in a distinctive trembling sensation, usually starting in the limbs, which can then spread throughout the entire body. At the same time, the muscles adjacent to hair follicles contract, causing the hairs to stand on end and creating the appearance of goosebumps.
While shivering is often associated with feeling cold, it can also arise as a response to emotional arousal, fear, or anticipation. Such instances are commonly referred to as "emotional shivers" or "spine-tingling" experiences. In these cases, the shivers may serve as a psychophysiological response to intense emotions, acting as a physical manifestation of the body's reaction to the stimulus.
In conclusion, the shivers encompass the involuntary muscular contractions and accompanying sensations of coldness or goosebumps that can occur in response to varied stimuli, ranging from exposure to cold temperatures to intense emotions.
Common Misspellings for THE SHIVERS
- rhe shivers
- fhe shivers
- ghe shivers
- yhe shivers
- 6he shivers
- 5he shivers
- tge shivers
- tbe shivers
- tne shivers
- tje shivers
- tue shivers
- tye shivers
- thw shivers
- ths shivers
- thd shivers
- thr shivers
- th4 shivers
- th3 shivers
- the ahivers
- the zhivers
Etymology of THE SHIVERS
The word "shivers" is derived from the Old English word "scyfan" which means "to shiver" or "convulse". It developed into the Middle English word "shyveren" with a similar meaning. The origin of the word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic language, as the word "skifana-" which means "to shiver" or "tremble". The term "the shivers" became commonly used in the English language to describe the physical sensation of trembling or shivering due to cold, fear, or excitement. It is believed that the word was further influenced by its association with the verb "to shiver" meaning "to shake slightly and uncontrollably".
Idioms with the word THE SHIVERS
-
get the shivers
To feel a sudden, intense sensation of cold or fear, causing one to shiver or tremble.
-
give somebody/get the shivers
To give somebody/get the shivers means to cause a feeling of fear, nervousness, or unease in someone.
-
give (one) the shivers
To give someone the shivers means to make them feel a sense of fear, dread, or extreme discomfort. It can also refer to causing someone to feel physically cold or have a shivering sensation.
-
the shivers
The idiom "the shivers" refers to feeling frightened, scared, or intimidated by something. It can also describe experiencing a sudden chill or tremor of fear.
-
give sb the shivers
To give someone the shivers means to cause someone to feel a sudden quivering or sensation of cold or fear. It can also refer to making someone feel uncomfortable or creeped out.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
