Shiver vs. Thrill: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 27, 2023
Shiver is a reflexive tremor due to cold or fear, while thrill denotes a sudden feeling of excitement or pleasure.
Key Differences
Shiver and thrill are two words often associated with intense feelings, though they differ in their primary implications. A shiver typically relates to a slight shaking or movement of the body, often induced by cold or emotional responses like fear. In contrast, thrill describes a sharp sensation or a sudden burst of excitement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
When someone says they "shivered" from the cold, it means their body involuntarily trembled because of the low temperatures. On the other hand, when someone is "thrilled," it signifies they are experiencing heightened emotions, often joy or exhilaration.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
The word shiver can be both a noun and a verb. For example, as a noun, one might say, "I felt a shiver down my spine." As a verb, it could be, "I shivered in the freezing weather." Thrill, similarly, can function as both a noun and verb. As a noun: "The roller coaster gave me a thrill." As a verb: "The news thrilled him."
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
While both words can denote reactions to stimuli, shiver more often points to physical sensations or involuntary responses. Thrill leans more into the emotional or psychological realm, indicating reactions to events, stories, or experiences that are exceptionally engaging or exhilarating.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
In essence, while shivers are often brief, involuntary physical reactions, thrills are moments of heightened emotion, typically tied to excitement or pleasure.
Janet White
Oct 26, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Primary Definition
A reflexive tremor due to cold or emotion
A sudden feeling of excitement or pleasure
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Typical Causes
Cold, fear, or strong emotion
Exciting events, stories, or experiences
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Shiver and Thrill Definitions
Shiver
To shake or tremble as a result of cold or fear.
I shivered when I stepped outside in the snow.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Thrill
A sudden feeling of excitement.
The roller coaster provided a major thrill.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Shiver
An instance of shuddering or trembling.
I felt a shiver of apprehension.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Thrill
A burst of pleasure from an experience.
Reading the novel was a thrill.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Thrill
To cause to feel a sudden sensation of pleasure or delight; excite greatly
Was thrilled to learn that she had won the contest.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
To feel a sudden sensation of pleasure or delight
"His answer came that afternoon and she thrilled to see the handwriting" (Susan Minot).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
A sudden feeling of pleasure or excitement
It gave him a thrill to learn their secret.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
A source or cause of pleasure or excitement
The thrills of the amusement park.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
(Medicine) A slight palpable vibration associated with a cardiac murmur and certain other cardiac or respiratory conditions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Shiver
To tremble or shake, especially when cold or frightened.
They stood outside for hours, shivering in the frosty air.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
(ergative) To suddenly excite someone, or to give someone great pleasure; to (figuratively) electrify; to experience such a sensation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Shiver
To cause to shake or tremble, as a sail, by steering close to the wind.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
(obsolete) To perforate by a pointed instrument; to bore; to transfix; to drill.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
(machining) To drill and thread in one operation, using a tool bit that cuts the hole and the threads in one series of computer-controlled movements.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
(medicine) A slight quivering of the heart that accompanies a cardiac murmur.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Shiver
One of the small pieces, or splinters, into which a brittle thing is broken by sudden violence; - generally used in the plural.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
A sensation as of being thrilled; a tremulous excitement; as, a thrill of horror; a thrill of joy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
To perforate by a pointed instrument; to bore; to transfix; to drill.
He pierced through his chafed chestWith thrilling point of deadly iron brand.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
Hence, to affect, as if by something that pierces or pricks; to cause to have a shivering, throbbing, tingling, or exquisite sensation; to pierce; to penetrate.
To bathe in flery floods, or to resideIn thrilling region of thick-ribbed ice.
Vivid and picturesque turns of expression which thrill the eader with sudden delight.
The cruel word her tender heart so thrilled,That sudden cold did run through every vein.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
To pierce, as something sharp; to penetrate; especially, to cause a tingling sensation that runs through the system with a slight shivering; as, a sharp sound thrills through the whole frame.
I have a faint cold fear thrills through my veins.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
To feel a sharp, shivering, tingling, or exquisite sensation, running through the body.
To seek sweet safety outIn vaults and prisons, and to thrill and shake.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
The swift release of a store of affective force;
They got a great bang out of it
What a boot!
He got a quick rush from injecting heroin
He does it for kicks
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Shiver
To break into many small pieces, or splinters; to shatter; to dash to pieces by a blow; as, to shiver a glass goblet.
All the groundWith shivered armor strown.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
An almost pleasurable sensation of fright;
A frisson of surprise shot through him
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Shiver
To separate suddenly into many small pieces or parts; to be shattered.
There shiver shafts upon shields thick.
The natural world, should gravity once cease, . . . would instantly shiver into millions of atoms.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Shiver
To tremble; to vibrate; to quiver; to shake, as from cold or fear.
Prometheus is laidOn icy Caucasus to shiver.
The man that shivered on the brink of sin,Thus steeled and hardened, ventures boldly in.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
Cause to be thrilled by some perceptual input;
The men were thrilled by a loud whistle blow
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Shiver
To cause to shake or tremble, as a sail, by steering close to the wind.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
Feel sudden intense sensation or emotion;
He was thrilled by the speed and the roar of the engine
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Shiver
An almost pleasurable sensation of fright;
A frisson of surprise shot through him
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
Fill with sublime emotion; tickle pink (exhilarate is obsolete in this usage);
The children were thrilled at the prospect of going to the movies
He was inebriated by his phenomenal success
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Thrill
To cause someone to experience a sharp sensation or feeling.
The music thrilled the audience.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Shiver
A reflex response to chilly temperatures.
A shiver ran through me as I entered the air-conditioned room.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Thrill
To be excited or delighted by something.
He was thrilled to see his family.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
FAQs
Can you use shiver to describe feelings other than cold?
Yes, one can shiver from fear or intense emotions.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Is thrill always a positive feeling?
Typically yes, but it can be neutral when denoting a mere sensation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
What's the opposite of thrill?
Bore or disillusion might be considered opposites.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023
What causes one to shiver?
Cold, fear, or strong emotion can cause shivering.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Can a story thrill someone?
Yes, a captivating story can thrill its readers or listeners.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Is a "thriller" related to the word thrill?
Yes, a "thriller" is a genre meant to excite or thrill the audience.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Can you feel a thrill of fear?
Yes, the term "thrill" can sometimes be used in the context of fear.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Does a thrill last long?
A thrill typically denotes a sudden or brief sensation.
Sara Rehman
Oct 26, 2023
Is it common to shiver after a workout?
It can occur due to temperature changes or physiological responses.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
Can excitement cause one to shiver?
Yes, strong emotions, including excitement, can induce shivering.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
What's the main emotion associated with thrill?
Excitement is the primary emotion linked to thrill.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Can one be thrilled and scared at the same time?
Yes, for instance, during intense movies or adventurous activities.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
Can someone be thrilled by a simple gesture?
Absolutely, even small acts can thrill someone if they're meaningful.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
Can a song thrill someone?
Yes, powerful music can evoke a thrill in listeners.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 26, 2023
Is shivering always visible?
Mostly, but subtle shivers might not be easily noticed.
Harlon Moss
Oct 26, 2023
Is shivering a sign of illness?
Sometimes, shivering can indicate a fever or other medical conditions.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 26, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
