n.
Pronunciation: ' sh ā k
Function: verb
Inflected Form: shook \ ' shu ̇ k \ ; shak · en \ ' sh ā -k ə n \ ; shak · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sceacan; akin to Old Norse skaka to shake
Date: before 12th century
intransitive verb
1 : to move irregularly to and fro
2 : to vibrate especially as the result of a blow or shock
3 : to tremble as a result of physical or emotional disturbance < shook with fear>
4 : to experience a state of instability : TOTTER
5 : to briskly move something to and fro or up and down especially in order to mix < shake well before opening>
6 : to clasp hands
7 : 3 TRILL
transitive verb
1 : to brandish, wave, or flourish often in a threatening manner <protesters shaking their fists>
2 : to cause to move to and fro, up and down, or from side to side especially in a repetitive, rhythmic, or quick jerky manner < shook his head in disapproval>
3 : to cause to quake, quiver, or tremble
4 a : to free oneself from < shake a habit> < shake off a cold> b : to get away from : get rid of <can you shake your friend? I want to talk to you alone ― Elmer Davis>
5 : to lessen the stability of : WEAKEN < shake one's faith>
6 : to bring to a specified condition by or as if by repeated quick jerky movements < shook himself loose from the man's grasp>
7 : to dislodge or eject by quick jerky movements of the support or container < shook the dust from the cloth>
8 : to clasp (hands) in greeting or farewell or as a sign of goodwill or agreement
9 : to stir the feelings of : UPSET , AGITATE < shook her up>
10 : 3 TRILL
– shak · able or shake · able \ ' sh ā -k ə -b ə l \ adjective
– shake a leg
1 : DANCE
2 : to hurry up
– shake a stick at : to form a conception of (as by counting or imagining) : CONCEIVE ― usually used in the phrase more than one can shake a stick at
synonyms SHAKE , AGITATE , ROCK , CONVULSE mean to move up and down or to and fro with some violence. SHAKE often carries a further implication of a particular purpose < shake well before using>. AGITATE suggests a violent and prolonged tossing or stirring <an ocean agitated by storms>. ROCK suggests a swinging or swaying motion resulting from violent impact or upheaval <the whole city was rocked by the explosion>. CONVULSE suggests a violent pulling or wrenching as of a body in a paroxysm <spectators were convulsed with laughter>.