Shaking: meaning, definitions and examples

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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?

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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.

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.

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

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.