Shook: meaning, definitions and examples

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shook

 

[ ʃʊk ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Shook is the past tense of shake, which means to move something quickly from side to side or up and down. It can also refer to causing something to tremble or vibrate. In a broader sense, it often implies a sudden movement or disturbance.

Synonyms

jolt, tremble, vibrate, wag

Examples of usage

  • He shook the bottle before opening it.
  • She shook her head in disbelief.
  • The earthquake shook the entire city.
  • I shook hands with my new colleague.

Etymology

The word 'shook' originates from the Old English verb 'sceacan', which means to shake or move violently. It has cognates in several Germanic languages, including the Old Norse 'skaka' and the Dutch 'schokken'. The evolution of the word has retained its basic meaning related to motion. Over centuries, the verb 'shake' has developed various forms and uses in English. The past tense 'shook' has been used since the Middle Ages and is commonly used in both spoken and written English today. Its versatility allows it to convey physical actions, emotional responses, and metaphorical meanings across different contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,066, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.