chills

chills · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Sensations of coldness accompanied by shivering.

  2. 2.

    Third person singular present tense of "chill."

  3. 3.

    A feeling of sudden fear or dread.

  4. 4.

    Symptoms of illness involving cold sensations and shivering.

Forms

plural: chills

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    chills and fever — symptoms of illness
  • •
    send chills down one's spine — to cause fear or excitement
  • •
    give someone the chills — to frighten or unsettle

Related words

Antonyms: warmth
See also: chill, chilly, cold, shiver
Synonyms: shivers, shudders, tremors

Etymology

From Old English "ciele" meaning cold or coolness, from Proto-Germanic "*kaliz."