shake
shake — verb
1. to push or pull an object in alternating directions with a series of brisk, shor
to push or pull an object in alternating directions with a series of brisk, short motions so that it oscillates left and right, or for an object to behave this way — such as agitating a container to blend its contents or beating a mat to remove dirt.
Baraka shook the bottle of salad dressing before pouring it on his salad.
transitive: shake + object + purpose clause
Niran shook the rug out of the window and dust flew into the garden.
transitive: shake + object + directional phrase
The old washing machine shakes loudly every time it starts spinning.
Liang shook the tree branch, and ripe mangoes fell onto the grass below.
文法句型
shake + object (bottle, rug, branch)
object + shakes
用法筆記
As a transitive verb, the object is typically something that can be moved by shaking: a container (bottle, can), a fabric item (rug, towel), or a plant (tree, branch). The intransitive use describes the subject's own movement, often with an adverb describing the manner or result.
常見錯誤
2. when your body or part of it quivers or trembles involuntarily — a response to f
when your body or part of it quivers or trembles involuntarily — a response to fear, nervousness, cold, sickness, or strong emotion, like shivering after being caught in a snowstorm or having unsteady hands before a major presentation.
Karim was shaking with cold after waiting for the bus in the rain.
shake + with + cause (cold)
Adina's hands shook as she lifted the heavy box from the top shelf.
possessor's + body part + shook
Dario noticed his grandmother shaking during the thunderstorm outside.
Ife held the glass, but her hands shook so much water spilled on the table.
文法句型
subject + shake(s) + with + (cold / fear / nerves)
subject('s) + body part + shake(s)
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'with' to state the cause (shake with cold / fear / rage / nerves / laughter). The subject can be the whole person or a specific body part. The present participle 'shaking' is very common in descriptions ('I was shaking').
常見錯誤
3. to be extremely frightened or nervous about something that is about to happen —
to be extremely frightened or nervous about something that is about to happen — a figurative use that does not necessarily involve physical trembling, like saying 'I'm shaking' before a difficult exam or a tense conversation.
"I was shaking when the boss asked to see me," said Ishaan.
figurative: 'I was shaking' for intense nervousness
Nora was shaking before her final exam even though she had studied for weeks.
The young soldier was shaking as he waited for his first mission to begin.
The bride was shaking with nerves as she walked down the aisle.
- be terrified
more formal; emphasizes the fear itself rather than the physical reaction
- be petrified
stronger; suggests being too frightened to move
- be scared stiff
informal idiom; like 'petrified' but more conversational
- be calm
the opposite emotional state
文法句型
subject + am/is/are + shaking (progressive)
"I'm shaking" as expression of intense emotion
用法筆記
Almost always used in the continuous form ('I am shaking,' 'she was shaking'). This sense overlaps with Sense 2 but emphasizes the emotional state of fear or nervousness rather than the physical symptom. The physical trembling may not actually be happening — the phrase conveys how frightened the person feels.
常見錯誤
4. a person's voice that sounds wavering and uneven, typically revealing that they
a person's voice that sounds wavering and uneven, typically revealing that they feel scared, anxious, deeply sad, or furious — for instance, a voice that breaks while recounting a tragic experience or at a moment of farewell.
Ignacio's voice shook as he described the accident to the police officer.
possessor's voice + shook + as + clause
Élise's voice shook when she said goodbye to her family at the train station.
Jack's voice shook with anger during the argument with his roommate.
The teacher noticed that Christopher's voice was shaking during his class presentation.
文法句型
subject('s) + voice + shakes + with + emotion
subject('s) + voice + shook + as/while + clause
用法筆記
The subject is typically 'voice' preceded by a possessive (his voice, her voice, the speaker's voice). Common with 'with + emotion' (with fear, with emotion, with anger, with sadness). Distinguish from Sense 2: Sense 4 is specifically about the voice, not the whole body. Distinguish from Sense 3: Sense 4 involves an audible physical change in the voice, not just a feeling of fear.
常見錯誤
5. to clasp a person's hand and briefly pump it in a light up-down motion as a cust
to clasp a person's hand and briefly pump it in a light up-down motion as a customary social gesture of welcome, farewell, or mutual consent — for instance, extending your hand to a new coworker upon introduction.
Liam shook the new coach's hand warmly after the team won the match.
shake + possessive + hand + adverb
Megan shook her landlord's hand and thanked him for fixing the leaky faucet.
Nia shook the interviewer's hand firmly before sitting down for the interview.
The principal shook each student's hand at the graduation ceremony last Friday.
- clasp hands
more formal; less common in everyday speech
- greet with a handshake
more descriptive; less natural as a single verb
文法句型
shake + (possessive) + hand
shake + (person) + by the hand
用法筆記
The person whose hand is shaken appears as a possessive modifier on 'hand': 'shake + someone's + hand.' The adjective 'firmly' (a firm handshake) signals confidence in many cultures. Distinguish from Sense 6: Sense 5 describes one person's action toward another ('I shook his hand'), whereas Sense 6 describes a mutual action between two people ('We shook hands').
常見錯誤
6. a reciprocal social ritual in which each person takes the other's hand and brief
a reciprocal social ritual in which each person takes the other's hand and briefly moves it with a slight up-down motion to express a welcome, a farewell, or a completed arrangement — for example, two people meeting for the first time at a conference.
The two business partners shook hands after signing the contract in the office.
plural subject + shake hands + after + event
The old friends shook hands warmly when they met at the airport terminal.
The athletes shook hands at the end of the match as a sign of respect.
The neighbors shook hands and wished each other a happy New Year on the street.
- exchange handshakes
more formal; describes the same action in a more official context
文法句型
(two/many) people + shake + hands
subject + shake(s) + hands + (with each other / with someone)
用法筆記
The subject must be plural (two or more people) or a plural noun phrase. 'Hands' in this expression is always plural, even when only two people are involved. Distinguish from Sense 5: Sense 6 focuses on a mutual gesture between people ('we shook hands'), while Sense 5 focuses on one person's action toward another ('she shook my hand').
常見錯誤
7. to confirm an agreement or promise by briefly holding someone's hand and moving
to confirm an agreement or promise by briefly holding someone's hand and moving it up and down, instead of signing a document or making a formal arrangement
Nikos shook on the deal with a firm grip and a smile.
shake on [something] for agreement
We did not write anything down, so we just shook on it like old friends.
pronoun object: shake on it
Kevin and Yumi shook on their promise to meet every month.
The two managers shook on the terms right there in the cafe.
文法句型
shake on [something]
用法筆記
Almost always used with 'on' or 'on it'. The object of 'on' is what has been agreed upon — a deal, a promise, or terms. More informal than signing a contract.
常見錯誤
8. as a signal of disagreement, refusal, disbelief, or sadness, to rotate your head
as a signal of disagreement, refusal, disbelief, or sadness, to rotate your head leftwards and rightwards repeatedly
Noor shook her head when the nurse offered her more medicine.
shake + possessive + head for refusal
The teacher shook his head in disbelief at the excuse the student gave.
Élise shook her head slowly as she read the list of damaged items.
Lara shook her head firmly and said she would not change her vote.
- nod
opposite movement; nod = yes, shake head = no
- nod
moving the head up and down to show agreement or understanding
文法句型
shake + possessive + head
用法筆記
The object is almost always 'head' or a possessive determiner + 'head' ('my head', 'her head'). The movement is side-to-side, not up-and-down (which means 'yes' in most cultures). In writing, 'shake one's head' is frequently used with adverbs like 'slowly', 'firmly', or 'sadly'.
常見錯誤
9. to raise a closed hand and move it back and forth with force, as a strong visual
to raise a closed hand and move it back and forth with force, as a strong visual expression of rage or a desire to threaten another person
Tendai shook his fist at the driver who cut in front of him.
shake + fist + at [someone] for anger
The fans shook their fists and shouted when the referee made the call.
Dahlia shook her fist at the locked gate and cried out in frustration.
The old farmer shook his fist at the storm that had ruined his crops.
- brandish
more formal and literary; suggests waving a weapon rather than a fist
文法句型
shake + possessive + fist + at [someone]
用法筆記
The object is always 'fist'. Usually directed at someone or something using 'at'. The gesture is culturally recognised across many regions as a sign of anger, protest, or threat.
10. to shock or disturb someone so deeply that they feel upset, worried, or no longe
to shock or disturb someone so deeply that they feel upset, worried, or no longer calm and steady inside
The news of the earthquake shook everyone in the small fishing town.
shake + person / group for emotional impact
Benjamin was deeply shaken by the sudden death of his cousin.
passive: be shaken by [event]
The violent scene in the documentary shook Isabela more than she expected.
Mira looked shaken after the argument with her landlord.
Nothing could shake Ayana's calm during the crisis at the hospital.
文法句型
shake + person
be shaken + by/at [something]
用法筆記
Commonly used in the passive ('be shaken'). The active form ('The news shook her') is more dramatic. This sense is stronger than 'upset' but less intense than 'devastate'. The object is usually a person or a group of people.
常見錯誤
11. to reduce the strength, stability, or certainty of someone's belief, a system, o
to reduce the strength, stability, or certainty of someone's belief, a system, or their self-confidence — for example, weakening someone's trust in a friend or the foundation of a long-held view
The repeated delays shook Emre's faith in the public transport system.
shake + possessive + faith in [something]
The financial scandal shook public trust in the bank for many years.
Faisal's confidence was shaken after he failed the exam twice.
Nothing could shake Olivia's determination to finish nursing school.
- strengthen
to make something stronger or more resilient
- reinforce
to add support to something that might be weakening
文法句型
shake + abstract noun
shake + possessive + abstract noun
用法筆記
Unlike sense 10 (emotional upset), this sense targets abstract concepts — beliefs, confidence, trust, systems. The object is never a person. 'Shake' here means 'weaken' or 'undermine' rather than 'disturb'.
常見錯誤
12. to free yourself from something unpleasant or unwanted, such as a cold, a bad ha
to free yourself from something unpleasant or unwanted, such as a cold, a bad habit, someone following you, or a negative feeling
Christopher has been trying to shake off his cold for two weeks now.
shake + off + [something undesirable]
The reporter kept following Yan and he could not shake her off.
pronoun object: shake + pronoun + off
Liam shook off the pain in his ankle and finished the race.
Caleb could not shake the feeling that someone was watching the house.
Layla finally shook her old habit of biting her nails after years of trying.
- get rid of
more general; works for objects, habits, and people
- shed
more formal; suggests casting off something like a layer or a habit
- escape
suggests getting away from a pursuer or a situation
文法句型
shake + off + [something]
shake + [something] + off
用法筆記
Often used with 'off' as a particle. When the object is a pronoun ('it', 'her', 'them'), it must go between 'shake' and 'off' ('shake it off', not 'shake off it'). Without 'off', this sense is not possible in most contexts.
常見錯誤
shake — noun
1. a single quick movement of something up and down or from one side to the other,
a single quick movement of something up and down or from one side to the other, often done intentionally
Marco gave the bottle a firm shake before pouring the dressing over the salad.
collocation: give [sth] a shake
A quick shake of the rug sent dust flying out the back door.
collocation: a shake of [object]
The bartender added ice to the metal cup and gave it a hard shake.
With one last shake, she removed the last drops of water from the umbrella.
Amani tested the thermometer with a gentle shake to bring the mercury down.
用法筆記
Often paired with the verb 'give' — 'give something a shake' — to describe a single, deliberate action. Can describe quick motions done to mix, clean, or test an object.
2. uncontrolled trembling of the body that happens when a person is sick, scared, o
uncontrolled trembling of the body that happens when a person is sick, scared, or has had too much alcohol
Rachel had a bad shake in her hands after the crash and could not hold her spoon.
pattern: have/get [a] shake in [body part]
The old man's shakes got worse each time he lifted a cup of tea.
Ezra took a deep breath, hoping his friends would not hear his shaking voice.
After days without alcohol, the patient got the shakes and needed medical help.
Yael felt the shakes come on as she walked onto a stage full of people.
用法筆記
Commonly used with the definite article — 'the shakes' — especially in informal contexts to describe a temporary physical state. Medical terms like 'tremors' are more formal.
常見錯誤
3. a sweet, thick cold drink made from milk, ice cream, and added flavours such as
a sweet, thick cold drink made from milk, ice cream, and added flavours such as fruit or chocolate, mixed until smooth
Cyrus ordered a chocolate shake with whipped cream at the diner near the station.
The waitress brought two strawberry shakes and a glass of water for the children.
collocation: [flavour] shake — strawberry/chocolate/vanilla
On hot summer days, kids sell lemonade and banana shakes from a table outside.
Linh asked for a thick mango shake but the shop only had plain vanilla ready.
4. a drink that you prepare by mixing protein powder into a liquid, often taken aft
a drink that you prepare by mixing protein powder into a liquid, often taken after exercise to help muscles recover
Christopher always drinks a protein shake within thirty minutes after leaving the gym.
collocation: [time frame] after [activity]
The fitness coach recommended a vanilla protein shake as a quick breakfast for busy mornings.
Lotte packed a bottle of chocolate protein shake before her long bike ride.
Some athletes use almond milk instead of regular milk to cut calories in their shake.
- protein drink
more descriptive and formal
- recovery shake
specifically for post-exercise consumption
用法筆記
The word 'shake' alone in a fitness context almost always means a protein shake, not a milkshake. Clear from context — gym, post-workout, recovery.
常見錯誤
5. a thin, rectangular slab of timber that is split from a log and fixed in overlap
a thin, rectangular slab of timber that is split from a log and fixed in overlapping rows to form a roof or outer wall
The carpenter nailed each shake into place, starting from the bottom edge of the roof.
Old wooden shakes on the cabin walls had turned grey after years of weather.
collocation: wooden shakes / cedar shakes
A loose shake flew off the garage roof in the storm and fell into the garden.
The building inspector said the cedar shakes on the north wall needed replacing before winter.
- shingle
often used interchangeably, though shingles are traditionally sawn and smoother
- cedar shake
specifies the type of wood most commonly used
- roofing shake
clarifies the building purpose
用法筆記
Distinct from a 'shingle' — shakes are split (not sawn), giving them a rougher, more natural texture than machine-cut shingles. Common in North American rural and mountain architecture.