'tremor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'tremor', where the verb 'tremere' meant 'to tremble'.

'tremor' changed from Old French forms (e.g. 'tremor'/'tremour') and entered Middle English as 'tremour', eventually becoming the modern English word 'tremor'.

Initially, it meant 'a trembling' (a state or act of trembling), but over time it came to include specific senses such as 'a small earthquake' and figurative senses like 'a feeling of excitement or fear'.