Definition of shake
(Entry 1 of 2)
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
: trill entry 2
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
4a
: 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
10
: trill entry 2
shake
nounDefinition of shake (Entry 2 of 2)
2a
: a blow or shock that upsets the equilibrium or disturbs the balance of something
b
: earthquake
4
: something produced by shaking: such as
a
: a fissure separating annual rings of growth in timber
b(1)
: milkshake
(2)
: a beverage resembling a milkshake
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
9
: a shingle split from a piece of log usually three or four feet (about one meter) long
10
: deal entry 2 sense 3
a fair shake
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Time Traveler for shake
The first known use of shake was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century