send a shiver down someone's spine
Cause visceral dread
To send a shiver down someone's spine is to cause a sudden physical or emotional reaction—typically fear, dread, or intense excitement.
The phrase evokes the involuntary chill that runs through the body when startled or deeply moved: The howl in the distance sent a shiver down her spine.
It works for horror and awe alike: His performance sent a shiver down my spine.
- tinglingSlight stinging sensation
- ghost storiesTales of the supernatural
- haunted houseDwelling believed spirit-inhabited
- aweReverent fear and wonder
- chillsShivering spells from illness
fear · fight or flight · wonder · excitement · terror · goosebumps · cold sweat · suspense · shuddering · anticipation · trembling · quivering · creepy crawly · horror movies · jump scare · supernatural encounters · dread · hair-raising
send a shiver down someone's spinewarm the cockles of someone's heart
Cause profound emotional contentment
sending, sender, senders, shiver, shivers, shivered, shivering, shivery