A2verb1K

Shake

UK /["/ʃeɪk/","/ʃeɪks/","/ʃʊk/","/ˈʃeɪkən/","/ˈʃeɪkɪŋ/"]/US /["/ʃeɪk/","/ʃeɪks/","/ʃʊk/","/ˈʃeɪkən/","/ˈʃeɪkɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to move or make somebody/something move with short quick movements from side to side or up and down

In simple words: To move something quickly up and down or side to side.

Examples

  • Please shake the bottle before using it.
  • She likes to shake hands with everyone she meets.
  • He felt a shake of fear when he heard the loud noise.
  • You need to shake off the dust before putting the book back on the shelf.
  • The earthquake caused a sudden shake that lasted for a few seconds.

Usage notes

Commonly used when referring to the action of moving hands, bodies, or objects. In a formal context, it might be more appropriate to use 'quiver' or 'tremble' for subtle movements.

Grammar pattern

shake + object

Memory hint

Think of 'shake' like you're shaking a container to mix things.

Collocations

  • hard
  • roughly
  • vigorously
  • by
  • firmly
  • vigorously
  • warmly
  • shake somebody by the hand
  • decisively
  • emphatically
  • firmly
  • at
  • in
  • badly
  • furiously
  • terribly
  • from
  • with
  • be shaking all over
  • be shaking from head to toe
  • be shaking in your boots

Synonyms

  • jolt
  • wiggle
  • tremble
  • quiver
  • rock

Antonyms

  • still
  • calm
  • steady

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'shook' as the past tense of 'shake'.
  • Using 'shake' with a subject when it should be an object (e.g. 'I shake my hand' instead of 'I shake hands').
  • Incorrectly spelling as 'shke'.