frémir

Frémir is a French verb meaning to tremble, shudder, or quiver, either physically or emotionally. It can describe a light shiver caused by cold or fear, as well as a figurative tremor in response to a scene, memory, or sensation. The term is common in literary or formal contexts and is less frequent in everyday speech, where verbs like trembler or frissonner may be used.

Etymology and related forms: Frémir comes from Old French frémir; its precise origin is unclear. The related noun frémissement denotes the act or state of shivering or trembling.

Usage and construction: Frémir is intransitive and can be used with de to express the cause of the tremor, for example frémir de peur or frémir d’angoisse. It can also appear in causative constructions with faire, as in le récit fit frémir les spectateurs (the story made the spectators shudder). The present tense forms are je frémis, tu frémis, il frémit, nous frémissons, vous frémissez, ils frémissent. The past participle is frémi, used with avoir in compound tenses (j’ai frémi). The present participle is frémissant.

Examples: La chandelle frémissait dans le vent. Le silence fit fré mir les oreilles du public. Elle frémit à la mention de son enfance.

See also: frémissement, frisson, tremblement.