Meaning & Definition of Shake in English

Detailed 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.