quavering (adjective)

1. As the ghostly figure emerged from the shadows, a quavering voice whispered, 'Who's there?'

2. In the intense climactic scene, the protagonist's quavering voice conveyed their fear and desperation.

3. During the Cold War, the world lived in quavering anticipation of a nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union.

4. In Greek mythology, Perseus stared into the eyes of the quavering Medusa, turning her to stone with his shield.