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 verb1: to move irregularly to and fro2: to vibrate especially as the result of a blow or shock3: to tremble as a result of physical or emotional disturbance <shook with fear>4: to experience a state of instability : totter5: to briskly move something to and fro or up and down especially in order to mix6: to clasp hands7: ³trilltransitive verb1: 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 tremble4 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 agreement9: 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: dance2: 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>.