quake

5 definitions • 8 examples

to shake because you are very frightened or find something very funny, or to feel or show great fear:

Every time I get on a plane, I quake with fear.

The play was so funny, we were all quaking with laughter.

His entire body quaked when he stood up in front of the judge.

to be very frightened or nervous:

Charlie stood outside the head teacher's office, quaking in his boots.

At that time, teachers quaked in their boots at the thought of the school inspector.

If I were him, I'd be quaking in my boots right now.

I was quaking in my shoes at the thought of having to give a speech.

informal for

to shake, esp. because you are frightened:

He quaked with fear at the thought.

short form ofearthquake