Main Entry: ¹shake

Pronunciation: \ˈshāk\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): 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
6 : to clasp hands
7 : ³trilltransitive 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 : ³trill

— shak·able or shake·able \ˈshā-kə-bəl\ 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>.