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Definition of shake
shook
play \ˈshu̇k\;shaken
play \ˈshā-kən\;shaking
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 : 2trill
transitive verb
1 : to brandish, wave, or flourish often in a threatening manner protesters shaking their fists
shake a leg
shake a stick at
From the M-W Editors
Examples of shake in a Sentence
The ground shook during the earthquake.
The house shook as the train rumbled by.
The earthquake shook the ground.
Shake the salad dressing well before using it.
I was so nervous that I was shaking like a leaf.
The fugitive couldn't shake the police.
It's hard to shake the feeling that I'm forgetting something.
The news did nothing to shake my belief that things will be okay.
Nothing could shake his faith in God.
Origin and Etymology of shake
Middle English, from Old English sceacan; akin to Old Norse skaka to shake
Synonym Discussion of shake
shake
Definition of shake
1 : an act of shaking: such asa : an act of shaking handsb : an act of shaking oneself
2a : a blow or shock that upsets the equilibrium or disturbs the balance of somethingb : earthquake
3 shakes plural a : a condition of trembling or nervousness; specifically : delirium tremensb : malaria 2a
4 : something produced by shaking: such asa : a fissure separating annual rings of growth in timberb (1) : milk shake (2) : a beverage resembling a milk shake a protein shake
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 shakes
8 shakes plural : one that is exceptional especially in importance, ability, or merit —usually used in the phrase no great shakes
Examples of shake in a Sentence
He responded to the question with a shake of his head.
Give the dice a shake.
He drank too much coffee and got a bad case of the shakes.
First Known Use of shake
1581
SHAKE Defined for English Language Learners
shake
playDefinition of shake for English Language Learners
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: to move sometimes violently back and forth or up and down with short, quick movements
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: to move or have parts of your body move in short, quick movements and in a way that you are not able to control
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: to free yourself from (someone or something) : to get away from or get rid of (someone or something)
shake
Definition of shake for English Language Learners
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: a short, quick movement back and forth or up and down
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the shakes : a condition in which parts of your body move in a way that you are not able to control
SHAKE Defined for Kids
Definition of shake for Students
shook
\ˈshu̇k\;shaken
\ˈshā-kən\;shaking
1 : to make or cause to make quick movements back and forth or up and down The ground shook. Squirrels shook the branches.
2 : to tremble or make tremble : quiver She was so frightened her legs began to shake.
3 : to move from side to side I shook my head.
4 : to grasp and move up and down After reaching an agreement, they shook hands.
5 : to get away from She ran faster, but couldn't shake the dog.
6 : to make less firm : weaken After being beaten badly their confidence was shaken.
7 : to cause to be, become, go, or move by or as if by using a quick back and forth motion We can shake apples from the tree.
Learn More about shake
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shake Spanish Central: Translation of shake Nglish: Translation of shake for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of shake for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shake
Seen and Heard
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