quiver
/ˈkwɪvər/
VERB
1. Shaking or trembling slightly
To shake, vibrate, or move with small, rapid, and often involuntary movements, usually because of fear, excitement, cold, nervousness, or physical weakness.
1.1. Physical trembling and shaking
Used to describe slight, rapid, or involuntary movements of the body or a body part, often caused by fear, cold, nervousness, or strong emotion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- be still
- steady
- remain motionless
Examples
- Her hands began to quiver as she opened the mysterious letter.
- His lips formed a subtle quiver as he tried to contain his emotions.
- The frightened animal began to quiver uncontrollably.
- A slight quiver in his voice betrayed his nervousness during the speech.
Related Words
- tremor
- spasm
- convulsion
- nervousness
- fear
- cold
- involuntary movement
1.2. Movement of the heart and pulse
Used to describe rapid or faint rhythmic movements associated with a beating or pulsating heart, particularly during excitement, anxiety, or emotional intensity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- be still
- remain steady
Examples
- She felt her heart quiver with excitement as she opened the gift.
- His heart seemed to quiver when he heard the unexpected news.
Related Words
- heartbeat
- palpitation
- pulse
- rhythm
- excitement
- anxiety
1.3. Slight movement of objects and natural elements
Used to describe delicate, continuous, or irregular movements of leaves, branches, surfaces, or other objects caused by wind, vibration, or external forces.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- be still
- steady
- remain motionless
Examples
- The leaves on the tree began to quiver in the gentle breeze.
- The candle flame continued to quiver in the draft.
- A faint reflection seemed to quiver on the surface of the water.
Related Words
- breeze
- movement
- oscillation
- vibration
- wave
- ripple
- instability
1.4. Unsteady or wavering movement
Used when something moves back and forth, shakes irregularly, or oscillates slightly rather than remaining stable or firmly positioned.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- steady
- stabilize
- remain fixed
Examples
- The old wooden bridge began to quiver under the weight of the passing truck.
- The needle continued to quiver as the machine operated.
- The image seemed to quiver slightly on the unstable screen.
Related Words
- oscillation
- instability
- motion
- sway
- jerk
- tremor
- vibration
NOUN
2. A container for arrows
A case or holder designed to carry and store arrows, crossbow bolts, or similar projectiles used with a bow or other shooting weapon.
2.1. Arrow storage and carrying equipment
Used to refer to a container worn by an archer or attached to equipment for holding and carrying arrows or other projectiles.
Synonyms
- arrow case
- arrow holder
- arrow bag
Examples
- The archer's quiver was filled with arrows of different sizes and types.
- He reached into his quiver to retrieve another arrow.
Related Words
- archery
- arrow
- bow
- crossbow
- bolt
- dart
- archer
2.2. A collection of available resources or abilities
Used figuratively to describe a collection of skills, strategies, resources, or tools that someone can use when facing different situations or challenges.
Synonyms
- arsenal
- repertoire
- stockpile
- collection
- store
Examples
- The experienced negotiator had several strategies in his quiver.
- Creativity and patience were two important tools in her professional quiver.
Related Words
- resources
- skills
- strategies
- capabilities
- expertise
- options
- tools
ADJECTIVE
3. Nimble and active
Characterized by quickness, agility, and lively movement or activity.
3.1. Agility and quick movement
Used in a rare or archaic sense to describe someone or something that is nimble, lively, or capable of moving quickly and easily.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The nimble performer moved with quick and lively steps across the stage.