shiver down one's spine
/ˈʃɪvər daʊn wʌnz spaɪn/ · shiv·er down one's spine
noun
- A brief, intense sensation of fear, awe, or excitement that seems to travel down the spine. When the lights went out and the door creaked, a shiver down his spine made him pause.
verb
- To cause someone to experience a sudden, spine‑tingling feeling of fear, awe, or excitement. The eerie melody sent a shiver down her spine.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Did you know? The phrase gained literary fame in the Victorian era, appearing in serialized horror stories where authors used it to heighten atmospheric dread.