Shook: meaning, definitions and examples

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shook

 

[ʃʊk ]

Definition

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'shook' is the past tense of 'shake,' which comes from Old English 'sceacan,' meaning to move or tremble.
  • It has connections to similar words in other languages, such as 'schütteln' in German, which also means to shake.

Pop Culture

  • In music, 'shook' appears in many songs to express feelings of being startled or overwhelmed emotionally.
  • The phrase 'shooketh' became popular on social media, combining 'shook' with a humorous twist, showing mild shock or astonishment.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a 'shook' moment can trigger a rush of adrenaline, affecting our heart rate and stress levels.
  • People often say they feel 'shook' after unexpected news, illustrating our emotional responses to surprise or fear.

Science

  • Earthquakes cause the ground to 'shake,' which is related to the intense shaking you might experience in a shocking situation.
  • In physics, shaking is a kind of oscillation, where objects move back and forth around an equilibrium position.

Literature

  • Many classic works use the term 'shook' in their narratives to convey a character's emotional turmoil or sudden onset of fear.
  • In poetry, the act of 'shaking' can symbolize chaos or transformation in a character's journey.

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.