Meaning & Definition of Shake in English
Shake
to move back and forth or up and down with rapid, jerky movements
Pronunciation:
/ʃeɪk/Part of Speech:
verbDetailed Definitions
Definition: to cause to move or tremble with quick, forceful movements
Example Sentence: He shook the bottle before pouring out the drink.
Definition: to clasp someone's hand in greeting or agreement
Example Sentence: They shook hands after making a deal.
Definition: to remove or free from something by shaking
Example Sentence: She shook the dust off her jacket.
Definition: to feel or express fear
Example Sentence: I shook with fear at the thought of the ghost.
Definition: to mix a drink by moving it in a container
Example Sentence: He shook the cocktail shaker vigorously.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English: from Old English 'sceacan', of Germanic origin.
Synonyms
Common Phrases and Expressions
- shake it off: to disregard or ignore something negative
- shake hands: to greet someone with a handshake
- shake a leg: to hurry up or move quickly
Translations
- Spanish: agitar
- French: secouer
- German: schütteln
- Russian: трясти
Related Words
- jolt: a sudden shock or movement
- tremor: an involuntary quaking movement
- wobble: to move unsteadily from side to side
Slang Meanings of shake
Meaning: to leave quickly
Example Sentence: I gotta shake; my ride is here.
Meaning: to party or dance energetically
Example Sentence: We went out last night to shake it on the dance floor.