What does shake mean?
Shake is a common English verb with several connected meanings. Most literally, it describes moving something rapidly back and forth, as when shaking a bottle, while it can also describe the movement of a person who is trembling from cold, fear, or excitement. The verb can mean removing or loosening something through vigorous movement, gripping someone's hand in greeting, or unsettling someone. For example, one can shake hands, shake off dust or a habit, shake one's head in refusal, and shake a drink to mix it. As a noun, a shake refers to a quick movement or tremor and can also denote a frothy mixed drink. Shake is especially useful because it combines physical movement with social and emotional meanings. The same word can describe a small tremor, a forceful clearing of something, a friendly greeting, or a serious challenge, depending on context.
To move the body or an object rapidly back and forth; to tremble; or to remove, dislodge, or unsettle something by such movement.
"She shook the mixture and poured it into two glasses."
A rapid back-and-forth movement or tremor; also, a frothy drink made by shaking ingredients such as milk and ice cream.
"He gave the bottle a vigorous shake."
The plural is used for separate quick movements or for units of a shaken drink.
"A few firm shakes helped loosen the lid."
One word can mean a tremor, a greeting, a forceful removal, and a mixed drink: shake hands, shake off a habit, and shake a milkshake.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How shake is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal English. Phrases such as "shake a leg" are informal, while "shake someone" can sound more formal or serious when it means to unsettle or confront them. In "shake hands," the verb is normally followed by "with" when a person is named: "She shook hands with him."