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verb

frissonner

shiver

Ressentir de petits tremblements du corps, souvent à cause du froid, de la peur ou d’une émotion forte.

Definition & meaning

Frissonner is a French verb that primarily means to shiver or to tremble. It is used in several contexts:

  1. Physical reaction to cold: To tremble involuntarily because of low temperatures.
  2. Physical reaction to emotion: To shudder or tremble due to strong feelings such as fear, excitement, horror, or intense pleasure.
  3. Slight vibration: To tremble slightly or shake, often referring to objects or the surface of a liquid.

Grammar & Word origin

  • Grammar: It is a regular verb ending in -er, belonging to the first conjugation group. It is intransitive.
  • Origin: The word is derived from the Old French frisson (which meant a shudder or cold feeling), likely stemming from the Latin frictio (friction), though its development is closely associated with the Middle French term frixonner.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms:

  • Trembler
  • Frémir
  • Tressauter
  • Grelotter (specifically due to cold)
  • Frisson (noun form)

Antonyms:

  • Se figer (to freeze or become motionless)
  • Être immobile (to be still)
  • Se stabiliser (to stabilize)

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Examples

Je commence à frissonner de froid.verb

I am starting to shiver from the cold.

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