Said when one has experienced an intense feeling of fear, panic, dread, shock, exhilaration, or excitement. A shiver went down John's spine when he overheard the managers discussing the money he'd stolen from the company safe. A cold shiver went down my spine at the thought of having to work for another minute in that awful restaurant. When they announced that Sarah would have the chance to meet a movie star as a part of her prize, a shiver went down her spine.