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Shakedown: meaning, definitions and examples

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shakedown

 

[ˈʃeɪkˌdaʊn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

music

A shakedown is a practice session or informal performance to test or improve one's skills, especially in music.

Synonyms

practice session, rehearsal, warm up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shakedown

Typically used in a professional or technical context to describe a test or trial phase where systems, processes, or equipment are put under stress to make sure they function correctly. It is often used in engineering, technology, or even in law enforcement to describe extortion. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The engineers performed a shakedown of the new software to identify any bugs.
  • The crew ran a shakedown cruise for the new ship before its official launch.
  • The detective conducted a shakedown of the suspect's connections to the crime.
rehearsal

Widely used in performing arts—such as theater, dance, and music—to describe a practice where the participants go through the entire performance to prepare for the actual event. It usually involves running through the whole piece from start to finish.

  • The actors held a final rehearsal before the opening night of the play.
  • We spent three hours in rehearsal for the upcoming dance recital.
practice session

Commonly used in sports or artistic contexts to describe a period where individuals or teams practice their skills and strategies. This phrase is neutral and indicates a time for honing abilities.

  • The basketball team has a practice session every morning to improve their performance.
  • The musicians scheduled a practice session to prepare for their concert.
warm up

Often used in sports and performing arts contexts to describe a brief period of preparatory exercises or activities designed to physically and mentally prepare individuals for the main event. This is generally lighter and shorter than a full practice session or rehearsal.

  • The athletes did a warm up before the competition to prevent injuries.
  • The singer performed a warm-up to get her vocal cords ready for the concert.

Examples of usage

  • The band had a shakedown before the concert to make sure everything was perfect.
  • The singer used the shakedown to work on her stage presence.
Context #2 | Noun

crime

A shakedown is a fraudulent scheme or extortion method, usually involving threats or intimidation.

Synonyms

blackmail, coercion, extortion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
shakedown

This term is often used in informal situations to describe an illegal demand for money or valuables through threats or deception. It has a negative connotation.

  • The corrupt officer was involved in a shakedown, demanding money from local businesses.
  • After finding himself in the wrong neighborhood, he became the target of a shakedown.
extortion

Extortion is the act of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats. This term is formal and used in both legal contexts and everyday language to describe serious criminal behavior.

  • The gangster was arrested for extortion after threatening local shopkeepers.
  • The company faced charges of extortion for pressuring their clients into paying inflated prices.
blackmail

This word is used when someone threatens to reveal embarrassing or damaging information unless a demand, usually for money, is met. It carries a negative connotation and is commonly used in both legal and personal contexts.

  • She was able to blackmail him into silence by threatening to expose his secrets.
  • The politician fell victim to blackmail after someone discovered his scandalous past.
coercion

Coercion involves forcing someone to do something against their will through threats or intimidation. It is generally used in formal contexts and has a negative implication.

  • The contract was signed under coercion, making it legally questionable.
  • He used coercion to manipulate his employees into working extra hours without pay.

Examples of usage

  • The mob boss used a shakedown to force business owners to pay protection money.
  • The corrupt official was involved in a shakedown of local businesses.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'shakedown' originated in the early 20th century, derived from the physical act of shaking something down to get its contents.
  • Originally, it was used in a literal sense to describe shaking something to find out what is inside.

Law & Crime

  • It often refers to illegal extortion, where someone uses threats or intimidation to obtain money from victims.
  • In some contexts, it can also denote police operations aimed at apprehending criminals, such as drug busts or undercover sting operations.

Pop Culture

  • The term has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, typically depicting crime scenes or underworld dealings.
  • Songs in genres like hip-hop and rock have referenced 'shakedowns' as part of their narratives about street life and hustling.

Psychology

  • The pressure involved in a shakedown can induce stress in victims, leading to long-term psychological effects, including anxiety and fear.
  • Understanding the dynamics of shakedowns can help in recognizing power imbalances in relationships and social interactions.

Business Practices

  • In the corporate world, 'shakedown' can describe aggressive business tactics used to extract information or advantage from competitors.
  • It can also refer to instances where investors pressure company management for immediate changes or financial gains.

Translations

Translations of the word "shakedown" in other languages:

🇵🇹 extorsão

🇮🇳 उगाही

🇩🇪 Erpressung

🇮🇩 pemerasan

🇺🇦 вимагання

🇵🇱 wymuszenie

🇯🇵 ゆすり

🇫🇷 extorsion

🇪🇸 extorsión

🇹🇷 haraç

🇰🇷 갈취

🇸🇦 ابتزاز

🇨🇿 vydírání

🇸🇰 vydieranie

🇨🇳 敲诈

🇸🇮 izsiljevanje

🇮🇸 hótun

🇰🇿 қорқытып алу

🇬🇪 გამოძალვა

🇦🇿 hədə-qorxu

🇲🇽 extorsión

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,474 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.