shake·down
ˈshāk-ˌdau̇n 
1
: an improvised bed (such as one made up on the floor)
2
: a boisterous dance
4
: a thorough search
5
: a process or period of adjustment
6
: a testing under operating conditions of something new (such as a ship) for possible faults and defects and for familiarizing the operators with it
shook down; shaken down; shaking down; shakes down
1
a
: to take up temporary quarters
b
: to occupy an improvised or makeshift bed
2
a
: to become accustomed especially to new surroundings or duties
b
: to settle down
1
: to obtain money from in a deceitful, contemptible, or illegal manner
racketeers shaking down store owners for protection
2
: to make a thorough search of
3
: to bring about a reduction of
4
: to give a shakedown test to
shook down the vessel before its maiden voyage
Synonyms
Verb
Examples of shakedown in a Sentence
Noun
He was the victim of a shakedown by a street gang.
The guards conducted a shakedown of the prisoners' cells to look for weapons.
They're putting the system through a shakedown.
Verb
the rumor is that he started his career shaking people down as an enforcer for the mob
Recent Examples on the Web
Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 1 Nov. 2024
Witnesses and victims of shakedowns were reluctant to come forward against a powerful public official who had the authority to award and deny lucrative public works contracts.
—Barbara McQuade, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024
Sarene Leeds, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2024
Edward Burke, who went to prison last month for shaking down business owners and developers.
—Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 6 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shakedown 
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Noun
Price allegedly asked to be personally notified about developments in the check fraud case of Mario Juarez, a two-time Oakland City Council candidate who was charged with a felony in January, barely two weeks after the alleged shakedown attempt.
—Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 1 Nov. 2024
Witnesses and victims of shakedowns were reluctant to come forward against a powerful public official who had the authority to award and deny lucrative public works contracts.
—Barbara McQuade, The Mercury News, 4 Oct. 2024
Verb
Speaking of Harper, he’s been in Hong Kong this whole time trying to shake down his ex-wife, Marion.
—Sarene Leeds, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2024
Edward Burke, who went to prison last month for shaking down business owners and developers.
—Megan Crepeau, Chicago Tribune, 6 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shakedown
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Cite this Entry
“Shakedown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shakedown. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
shakedown
noun
shake·down
ˈshāk-ˌdau̇n
: a testing under operating conditions of something new (as a ship) for possible faults or for the operators to become more familiar with it
a shakedown cruise
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