Shake

Definition

The word "shake" primarily means (1) to move quickly back and forth, up and down, or side to side (verb); (2) to cause something or someone else to move in that way (verb); (3) to jar, unsettle, or disturb physically or emotionally (verb); and (4) the act or result of such motion, a beverage made by mixing ingredients, or a quick clasp of hands (noun).

Parts of Speech

• Verb
• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃeɪk/
• Respelling: SHAYK

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ʃeɪk/
• Respelling: SHAYK

Etymology

"Shake" comes from Old English sceacan “to move violently, swing,” related to Proto‑Germanic *skakaną. Cognates appear in Dutch schokken and German schocken. The noun sense “milk‑based drink” dates to early 20th‑century American English.

Derivatives

• Shaken (adjective / past participle)
• Shaking (noun / present participle)
• Shaker (noun)
• Shake‑up (noun)
• Shakable (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Tremble
• Agitate
• Vibrate
• Jolt
• Quiver

Antonyms

• Steady
• Stabilize
• Calm
• Still
• Settle

Usage

"Shake" is common in daily speech, science, mixology, and idioms. Examples: "Please shake the bottle before use," "The news shook investors’ confidence," and "They enjoyed a strawberry shake at the diner."

Related Terms

• Vibration: Rapid oscillatory motion.
• Earthquake: Sudden shaking of the Earth’s crust.
• Cocktail: A mixed alcoholic beverage often prepared in a shaker.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To move rapidly back and forth or up and down: Describes oscillatory or jerky motion.
  • Example: "Strong winds shook the windows all night."
• To cause another object, person, or feeling to move similarly: Emphasizes external agitation.
  • Example: "She gently shook the child awake."
• To disturb, unsettle, or weaken confidence or stability: Applies figuratively to emotions or structures.
  • Example: "The scandal shook public trust in the administration."
• To clasp someone’s hand in greeting or agreement (shake hands): Indicates a social gesture of goodwill.
  • Example: "They shook hands to finalize the deal."
• To mix or aerate by rapid motion (culinary/bartending): Refers to combining ingredients thoroughly.
  • Example: "Bartenders shake cocktails with ice for proper chilling."
• To dislodge or get rid of something (shake off): Expresses freeing oneself from pursuit, illness, or mood.
  • Example: "He tried to shake off a lingering cold."

Noun

• The act or instance of shaking; a tremor or jolt: Denotes brief oscillatory motion.
  • Example: "Give the can a quick shake before spraying."
• A blended beverage of milk or ice cream and flavorings (chiefly US): Commonly shortened from “milkshake.”
  • Example: "He ordered a chocolate shake with extra whipped cream."
• A handshake (informal): A clasping of hands as greeting or agreement.
  • Example: "Let’s seal it with a shake."
• Shivering or trembling of the body (usually plural shakes): Involuntary vibration due to cold, fear, or illness.
  • Example: "He had the shakes after drinking too much coffee."
• A split wooden shingle used in roofing (construction): A thin plank cleaved from a log.
  • Example: "Cedar shakes give the cottage a rustic look."