shake

shake [shāk]

vt.

shook, shaken, shaking [ME schaken < OE sceacan, akin to LowG schaken < IE * skeg-, var. of base * skek- > SHAG¹]

1. to cause to move up and down, back and forth, or from side to side with short, quick movements

2. to bring, force, mix, stir up, dislodge, rearrange, etc. by or as by abrupt, brisk movements [to shake a medicine before taking it]

3.

a) to scatter by short, quick movements of the container [to shake pepper on a steak]

b) to clean, empty, or straighten by short, quick movements: often with out [to shake a rug]

4. to cause to quiver or tremble [chills that shook his body]

5.

a) to cause to totter or become unsteady

b) to unnerve; disturb; upset [shaken by the news]

6. to brandish; flourish; wave

7. to clasp (another's hand), as in greeting

☆ 8. Informal to get away from or rid of [to shake one's pursuers]

9. Music TRILL

vi.

1. to move or be moved quickly and irregularly up and down, back and forth, or from side to side; vibrate

2. to tremble, quake, or quiver, as from cold or fear

3. to become unsteady; totter; reel

4. to clasp each other's hand, as in greeting

5. Music TRILL

n.

1. an act of shaking; back-and-forth movement

2. an unsteady or trembling movement; tremor

3. a natural split or fissure in rock or timber

4. a long shingle split from a log

5. Informal an earthquake

☆ 6. short for MILKSHAKE

7. [pl.] Informal a convulsive trembling, as from disease, fear, alcoholism, etc.: usually with the

8. Informal a very short time; moment [be back in a shake]

9. Informal a particular kind of treatment; deal [to get a fair shake]

10. Music TRILL

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☆ give someone the shake or give something the shake

Slang to avoid or get rid of an undesirable person (or thing)

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no great shakes

Informal not of outstanding ability, importance, etc.; ordinary

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shake down

1. to bring down or cause to fall by shaking

2. to cause to settle by shaking

3. to test or condition (new equipment, etc.)

☆ 4. Slang to extort money from, as by blackmail

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shake hands

to clasp each other's hand as a token of agreement or friendship, or in parting or greeting

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shake off

1. to get away from or rid of (an undesirable person or thing)

2. to reject (a suggestion, request, etc.)

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shake up

1. to shake, esp. so as to mix, blend, or loosen

2. to disturb or rouse by or as by shaking

3. to jar or shock

4. to redistribute or reorganize by or as by shaking

shakable

adj.

shakeable