frisson

shiver, shudder

noun free-SOHN Rare

Also means

thrill

Usage Note

Frisson covers both the involuntary shiver from cold or fear (un frisson de froid) and the pleasurable thrill of excitement (un frisson de plaisir). The word entered English as 'frisson' with the specific sense of an exciting, pleasurable shudder. The verb form is frissonner (to shiver/shudder), and frissonner de expresses what provokes it.

Examples

"Un frisson lui a parcouru le dos."

Natural Translation

A shiver ran down her back.

Literal Translation

A shiver ran through her back.

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