Shook: meaning, definitions and examples
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shook
[ ʃʊk ]
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
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.