The word "shudders at" is spelled with the "sh" sound followed by the "uh" as in "butter" sound, the "d" sound, the "er" as in "her" sound, the "z" sound, and the "at" ending. The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription of this word is /ˈʃʌdərz ət/. The word "shudders" means to shake or tremble involuntarily due to fear, cold, or disgust. The phrase "shudders at" indicates that something causes someone to experience this feeling.
"Shudders at" refers to the physical or emotional response of experiencing sudden quivering or trembling movements, often accompanied by a feeling of fear, revulsion, or discomfort. This phrase implies a strong and involuntary reaction to something that is disturbing, unsettling, or horrifying.
When a person "shudders at" something, it typically signifies a deep-rooted aversion or fright that is beyond their control. It can be caused by encountering situations, events, memories, or even mere thoughts that evoke a sense of dread, revulsion or unease. The trembling or quivering that accompanies the shudder may manifest as a bodily reaction to the intense emotions associated with the stimulus.
The term "shudders at" can also be used metaphorically to describe a psychological response rather than a physical one. In this context, it suggests an extreme distaste or repulsion towards an idea, suggestion, or anticipated outcome. It represents a strong negative feeling that engenders a physical or emotional recoil.
Overall, "shudders at" portrays the involuntary and instinctive nature of the reaction, emphasizing a deep-seated uneasiness or fear that cannot be controlled or suppressed. It conveys the concept of strong aversion, repugnance, or discomfort that results in an outward expression of trembling or quivering.
The word "shudders" derives from the Middle English word "shoderen", which meant to shake or tremble. This Middle English word eventually evolved into "shudder", which refers to a sudden involuntary shaking or trembling movement of the body, usually in response to feeling fear, disgust, or coldness.
The preposition "at" in the phrase "shudders at" is a common marker that indicates the direction or target of the action. In this context, it signifies that the act of shuddering is directed towards or in response to a specific thing or event.
Therefore, the etymology of the phrase "shudders at" lies in the historical development of the Middle English word "shoderen" into the modern word "shudder", combined with the preposition "at" to express the object or cause of the shuddering.