shudder

Shudder is a verb meaning to tremble violently, usually in response to fear, cold, or disgust. It can also be used as a noun to describe a sudden tremor or convulsive movement, a shiver. The word is recorded in Middle English, and it has Germanic cognates such as Dutch schudden and German schütteln, indicating a common heritage related to shaking or moving abruptly.

Common usage includes phrases like shudder at or shudder with. For example, she shuddered at the thought; the old house made him shudder. Shudder can also describe a metaphorical revulsion or a physical reaction to a disturbing sensation.

Shudder is also the name of a streaming service focused on horror, thriller, and supernatural content. Launched in 2015 by AMC Networks, Shudder offers a curated catalog of films and television series, including original programming, available by subscription on multiple devices and in several regions. It is marketed as a niche alternative to general streaming services for genre fans and has contributed to the visibility of genre content in the digital streaming landscape.