First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1shake
verb \ˈshāk\
: to move sometimes violently back and forth or up and down with short, quick movements
: to move or have parts of your body move in short, quick movements and in a way that you are not able to control
: to free yourself from (someone or something) : to get away from or get rid of (someone or something)
shook \ˈshu̇k\ shak·en \ˈshā-kən\ shak·ing
Full Definition of SHAKE
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
: 3trill
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
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
See shake defined for English-language learners
See shake defined for kids
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Origin of SHAKE
Middle English, from Old English sceacan; akin to Old Norse skaka to shake
Related to SHAKE
Synonym Discussion of SHAKE
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>.
2shake
noun
: a short, quick movement back and forth or up and down
the shakes : a condition in which parts of your body move in a way that you are not able to control
Full Definition of SHAKE
1
2
a : a blow or shock that upsets the equilibrium or disturbs the balance of something b : earthquake
3
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 shakes>
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
: 3deal 3 <a fair shake>
See shake defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SHAKE
1581
SHAKING Defined for Kids
1shake
verb \ˈshāk\
shook \ˈshu̇k\shak·en \ˈshā-kən\shak·ing
Definition of SHAKE for Kids
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.>
2shake
noun
Definition of SHAKE for Kids
: a quick back and forth or up and down movement
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