send shivers down someone's spine
Cause visceral dread
To send shivers down someone's spine is to cause a strong physical or emotional reaction—either thrilling excitement or creepy dread.
The image is of a sensation traveling along the back: Her voice sent shivers down my spine.
The phrase works equally for pleasure and fear, context determining which.
- haunted houseDwelling believed spirit-inhabited
- tingleSlight stinging sensation
- thrillSurge of intense excitement
- goosebumpsRaised skin from cold
- aweReverent fear and wonder
romantic gesture · first kiss · fear · excitement · wonder · ghost story · eerie silence · jump scare · exhilaration · terror · chill · tremor · quiver · dread · cold sweat · horror movie · blood run cold · bone-chilling
send shivers down someone's spineput to sleep
Induce unconsciousness or death
send shivers down someone's spinewarm the cockles of someone's heart
Cause profound emotional contentment
put at ease · comfort · soothe · reassure · calm
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