Shaking: meaning, definitions and examples

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shaking

 

[ ˈʃeɪkɪŋ ]

Verb
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?

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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

Translations of the word "shaking" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agitação

🇮🇳 कंपन

🇩🇪 Schütteln

🇮🇩 guncangan

🇺🇦 тремтіння

🇵🇱 wstrząs

🇯🇵 揺れ

🇫🇷 secousse

🇪🇸 temblor

🇹🇷 sarsıntı

🇰🇷 흔들림

🇸🇦 اهتزاز

🇨🇿 otřes

🇸🇰 trasenie

🇨🇳 摇晃

🇸🇮 trešnja

🇮🇸 titringur

🇰🇿 діріл

🇬🇪 კომპანია

🇦🇿 sarsıntı

🇲🇽 temblor

Etymology

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.

See also: shake, shakedown, shaker, shakes, shakily, shakiness, shakingly, shaky, unshakeable.

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.