Shaken: meaning, definitions and examples
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shaken
[ ΛΚeΙͺ.kΙn ]
emotional state
Shaken refers to being emotionally disturbed or affected by a sudden shock or surprise. It often describes a state of being unsettled due to an unexpected event or realization.
Synonyms
disturbed, rattled, troubled, unsettled, upset.
Examples of usage
- She was shaken by the news of his accident.
- He felt shaken after witnessing the storm's destruction.
- I was shaken when I realized I had lost my wallet.
physical action
Shaken is the past participle of shake, meaning to move someone or something vigorously back and forth or up and down. It implies a forceful or sudden movement, often creating a vibration.
Synonyms
agitated, jostled, quaked, trembled.
Examples of usage
- The earthquake shook the ground beneath our feet.
- She shook the bottle to mix the ingredients.
- He shook his head in disbelief.
Etymology
The word 'shaken' is derived from the Old English 'sacan', meaning 'to shake' or 'to move'. The term has roots in the Proto-Germanic word '*skakanΔ ', which implies a rapid movement. Over time, it evolved in various forms in different Germanic languages, retaining the meaning of a sudden or quick motion. In English, 'shake' developed as a general term for a variety of movements, from physical to emotional. The past participle 'shaken' has been in use since the Middle Ages, initially referring to the action of shaking in its physical sense. However, by the early modern period, it began to encompass emotional connotations as well, reflecting the psychological impact of events that can leave individuals feeling 'shaken'. This dual meaning illustrates the flexibility of the term in describing both tangible and intangible experiences.