Shaking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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shaking

[ˈʃeɪkɪŋ ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

body movement

Shaking is the act of moving rapidly back and forth or up and down. It can be a result of fear, cold, excitement, or nervousness. Shaking can also be a way to mix ingredients or to create a vibrating effect.

Synonyms

quivering, shivering, trembling, vibrating.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shaking	Used to describe a general movement back and forth, which can be due to various emotions like fear, excitement, or physical conditions like cold. He was shaking with excitement when he heard the news The frost made her hands shake uncontrollably
trembling	Implies a more significant or visible shaking, often due to strong emotions like fear, anxiety, or even weakness. She was trembling with fear as the thunderstorm raged outside The old man’s hands were trembling as he held the cup
quivering	Often associated with slight, rapid movements, usually due to strong emotions like fear or excitement. It often implies a more delicate or subtle motion. Her voice was quivering when she tried to speak during the presentation The leaf quivered in the gentle breeze
shivering	Typically used to describe the body's uncontrollable shaking due to cold or fear. He was shivering after being out in the cold for so long The sound of the eerie music made her shiver with fright
vibrating	Describes quick, consistent back-and-forth movements, commonly used for mechanical or electronic devices, but can also describe emotions or physical states. The phone was vibrating on the table, but he didn’t hear it over the loud music The entire building seemed to be vibrating during the earthquake

Examples of usage

The little dog was shaking with fear during the thunderstorm.
She was shaking from the cold as she waited for the bus.
He started shaking with excitement when he saw his favorite band.
The bartender was shaking the cocktail to mix the ingredients.
The earthquake caused the ground to shake violently.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

Shaking is a natural response of the body, often caused by cold, fear, or excitement.
Seismology studies vibrations in the earth to learn about earthquakes, which cause ground shaking.
Muscle contractions during exercise can result in temporary shaking, known as muscle fatigue.

Psychology

People may experience shaking during anxiety attacks as a physical manifestation of stress.
Shaking can be a signal of emotional intensity; for instance, if someone is very happy or scared, they might shake.
Relaxation techniques, like deep breathing, can help reduce shaking from nerves.

Cultural Practices

In various dance forms, such as belly dancing, shaking is a key movement that enhances the aesthetic of the dance.
Shaking hands is a common greeting in many cultures, symbolizing trust and friendship.
Some musical genres, like rock and roll, encourage people to shake and dance freely, bringing energy to parties.

Health

Shaking can be an important indicator for medical professionals to assess conditions like Parkinson's disease.
After intense workouts, muscles can shake, signaling that they are exhausted but also building strength.
Tremors, which are involuntary shakes, vary in severity and can be managed with various treatments.

Origin of 'shaking'

The word 'shaking' originated from the Middle English word 'shaken', which is derived from the Old English word 'sceacan'. The verb 'shake' has been used in the English language for centuries to describe rapid movements back and forth. Over time, 'shaking' has become commonly associated with fear, cold, excitement, and nervousness.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,498 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5495 organizing
5496 architectural
5497 rode
5498 shaking
5499 menu
5500 analogous
5501 theological
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