I. ˈshāk verb
( shook ˈshu̇k ; shak·en ˈshā-kən ; 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. : trill III
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. : trill III
• shak·able or shake·able ˈshā-kə-bəl adjective
•
- shake a leg
- 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
II. noun
Date: 1581
1. : an act of shaking: as
a. : an act of shaking hands
b. : an act of shaking oneself
2.
a. : a blow or shock that upsets the equilibrium or disturbs the balance of something
b. : earthquake
3. plural
a. : a condition of trembling or nervousness ; specifically : delirium tremens
b. : malaria 2a
4. : something produced by shaking: as
a. : a fissure separating annual rings of growth in timber
b.
(1) : milk shake
(2) : a beverage resembling a milk shake but made without milk
5. : a wavering, quivering, or alternating motion caused by a blow or shock
6. : trill
7. : a very brief period of time
I'll be there in two shake s
8. plural : one that is exceptional especially in importance, ability, or merit — usually used in the phrase no great shakes
9. : a shingle split from a piece of log usually three or four feet (about one meter) long
10. : deal III,3
a fair shake