quaking
/ˈkweɪkɪŋ/
ADJECTIVE
1. Shaking or trembling involuntarily
Moving with rapid, slight, or repeated shaking, typically because of fear, cold, nervousness, or strong emotion.
1.1. Fear and nervousness
Describes someone who is trembling or visibly shaking because of fear, anxiety, apprehension, or intimidation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The quaking child hid behind her mother during the thunderstorm.
- He stood quaking with fear as the stranger approached.
- Her quaking voice revealed how nervous she was.
Related Words
- fear
- anxiety
- apprehension
- dread
- terror
- nervousness
- trepidation
1.2. Physical instability and unsteadiness
Describes something that shakes, wobbles, or appears unstable rather than remaining firm or steady.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The quaking wooden platform made it difficult to stand.
- He walked with quaking legs after the exhausting climb.
- The old structure appeared quaking and unstable in the strong wind.
Related Words
- instability
- imbalance
- weakness
- vibration
- movement
- oscillation
1.3. Vibrating or pulsating movement
Describes something producing repeated vibrations, oscillations, or rhythmic movements.
Synonyms
- vibrating
- quivering
- trembling
- pulsating
- pulsing
- oscillating
- shaking
- throbbing
- resonating
Antonyms
Examples
- The quaking beats of the drums filled the concert hall.
- The machine produced a quaking vibration as its motor started.
Related Words
- vibration
- oscillation
- resonance
- pulse
- rhythm
- movement
NOUN
2. An act or state of trembling
The physical action or condition of shaking, quivering, or vibrating, often involuntarily.
2.1. Physical shaking and trembling
Refers to a shaking movement of the body or an object, often caused by fear, cold, weakness, or an external force.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- stillness
- steadiness
- stability
- motionlessness
Examples
- The quaking of his hands made it difficult to hold the glass.
- A sudden quaking ran through the building.
- She could not hide the quaking in her voice.
Related Words
- shiver
- quiver
- tremble
- spasm
- oscillation
- convulsion
2.2. Fear and apprehension
Refers to a state of intense fear, anxiety, or alarm, especially when accompanied by physical trembling.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- bravery
- courage
- boldness
- fearlessness
- fortitude
- composure
Examples
- A feeling of quaking spread through the crowd as the danger became clear.
- The approaching storm filled the villagers with quaking and dread.
Related Words
- intimidation
- nervousness
- uneasiness
- misgiving
- disquietude
- timidity
VERB
3. To shake or tremble
The present participle of quake, describing the act of shaking, vibrating, or trembling, especially because of fear, cold, or strong emotion.
3.1. Trembling from fear or emotion
Describes a person or body part shaking involuntarily in response to fear, nervousness, shock, or intense emotion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- steadying
- calming
- composing
- settling
Examples
- The witness was quaking while giving evidence in court.
- She stood quaking with fear outside the abandoned house.
- His voice was quaking as he announced the unexpected news.
Related Words
- fear
- anxiety
- shock
- nervousness
- apprehension
- excitement
3.2. Shaking from physical or external forces
Describes the ground, a structure, or an object undergoing repeated shaking or vibration because of movement or physical force.
Synonyms
- shaking
- trembling
- vibrating
- quivering
- shuddering
- oscillating
- rocking
- juddering
Antonyms
- settling
- stabilizing
- steadying
- stopping
Examples
- The ground was quaking beneath their feet.
- The old windows were quaking in their frames during the storm.
- The bridge was quaking under the weight of the passing trucks.
Related Words
- earthquake
- tremor
- vibration
- seismic activity
- impact
- oscillation