The word "ashiver" is a somewhat archaic term that means "shivering with cold." It is spelled [əˈʃɪvər] in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial "a" sound is pronounced as a schwa, followed by a stressed short "i" sound. The "sh" sound is represented by the IPA symbol [ʃ], and the word ends with an unstressed "vuh" sound. Although the term is not commonly used today, it is still encountered in literature and poetry.
Ashiver is an adjective that describes someone or something that is trembling or shivering with cold, fear, excitement, or anticipation. It is derived from the combination of the prefix "a-" meaning "away" or "without," and the noun "shiver," which refers to a brief convulsive movement or vibration caused by a strong emotion or a physical reaction to cold.
When used to describe a person, ashiver implies a state of extreme discomfort or unease due to a combination of factors. It suggests a physical response characterized by visible trembling or shivering due to intense coldness. Ashiver can also describe a state of emotional or psychological unease, taking the form of nervousness, fear, or anticipation. In such cases, the term implies a feeling so intense that it manifests as a visible involuntary body response, such as quivering or tremors.
When applied to non-human entities, ashiver describes objects or phenomena that display continuous or rhythmic bodily movements, whether animate or inanimate. For example, leaves rustling in the wind or a vibrating phone can be described as ashiver.
Overall, ashiver encapsulates the idea of a strong physical or emotional response that is so intense it causes visible involuntary movements or vibrations.