shake

/ʃeɪk/ (bre, ipa) · /ʃeɪk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈshāk/ (ame, mw)

shake — 動詞

  • shakepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • shakeshe / she / it
  • shookpast simple
  • shakenpast participle
  • shaking-ing form

1. to push or pull an object in alternating directions with a series of brisk, shor

1.動詞及物 / 不及物A2
釋義

搖晃；抖動

快速來回或上下移動物品

to push or pull an object in alternating directions with a series of brisk, short motions so that it oscillates left and right, or for an object to behave this way — such as agitating a container to blend its contents or beating a mat to remove dirt.

例句

Baraka shook the bottle of salad dressing before pouring it on his salad.

Baraka 在把沙拉醬淋上沙拉之前，先把瓶子搖晃均勻。

transitive: shake + object + purpose clause

Niran shook the rug out of the window and dust flew into the garden.

Niran 把地毯拿到窗外抖動，灰塵隨之飛入花園裡。

transitive: shake + object + directional phrase

同義詞
  • vibrate

    more technical; suggests smaller, faster movements, often of a machine or device

  • sway

    slower, more gentle side-to-side movement, often continuous

  • jiggle

    small, quick, light movements; more informal

文法句型

shake + object (bottle, rug, branch)

object + shakes

用法筆記

As a transitive verb, the object is typically something that can be moved by shaking: a container (bottle, can), a fabric item (rug, towel), or a plant (tree, branch). The intransitive use describes the subject's own movement, often with an adverb describing the manner or result.

常見錯誤

❌She shook her head in agreement.
✅She shook her head to say no.
💡Shaking the head means 'no,' not 'yes.' To show agreement, nod your head.
❌The earthquake shook the building strongly.
✅During the earthquake, the building shook violently.
💡When describing natural disasters, the intransitive form (building shook) is more natural; the transitive form (earthquake shook the building) is grammatical but less common in everyday speech.

2. when your body or part of it quivers or trembles involuntarily — a response to f

2.動詞不及物A2
釋義

發抖；顫抖

因恐懼、寒冷或緊張而身體顫動

when your body or part of it quivers or trembles involuntarily — a response to fear, nervousness, cold, sickness, or strong emotion, like shivering after being caught in a snowstorm or having unsteady hands before a major presentation.

例句

Karim was shaking with cold after waiting for the bus in the rain.

Karim 在雨中等待公車，冷得直發抖。

shake + with + cause (cold)

Adina's hands shook as she lifted the heavy box from the top shelf.

Adina 從最高的架子上搬下重箱子時，雙手不停顫抖。

possessor's + body part + shook

同義詞
  • tremble

    very similar; slightly more formal, often suggesting finer vibrations

  • shiver

    specifically from cold or a sudden chill; repeated short movements

  • quiver

    small, light, rapid movements; often of lips, voice, or leaves

文法句型

subject + shake(s) + with + (cold / fear / nerves)

subject('s) + body part + shake(s)

用法筆記

Frequently used with 'with' to state the cause (shake with cold / fear / rage / nerves / laughter). The subject can be the whole person or a specific body part. The present participle 'shaking' is very common in descriptions ('I was shaking').

常見錯誤

❌I was shaking from fear when I saw the mouse.
✅I was shaking with fear when I saw the mouse.
💡The standard preposition with 'shake' in this sense is 'with,' not 'from,' when stating the cause.

3. to be extremely frightened or nervous about something that is about to happen —

3.動詞不及物B1
釋義

極度害怕

對即將發生的事感到非常恐懼或緊張

to be extremely frightened or nervous about something that is about to happen — a figurative use that does not necessarily involve physical trembling, like saying 'I'm shaking' before a difficult exam or a tense conversation.

例句

"I was shaking when the boss asked to see me," said Ishaan.

Ishaan 說：「老闆找我談話的時候，我嚇壞了。」

figurative: 'I was shaking' for intense nervousness

Nora was shaking before her final exam even though she had studied for weeks.

Nora 雖然準備了好幾個星期，期末考前還是緊張得要命。

同義詞
  • be terrified

    more formal; emphasizes the fear itself rather than the physical reaction

  • be petrified

    stronger; suggests being too frightened to move

  • be scared stiff

    informal idiom; like 'petrified' but more conversational

反義詞
  • be calm

    the opposite emotional state

文法句型

subject + am/is/are + shaking (progressive)

"I'm shaking" as expression of intense emotion

用法筆記

Almost always used in the continuous form ('I am shaking,' 'she was shaking'). This sense overlaps with Sense 2 but emphasizes the emotional state of fear or nervousness rather than the physical symptom. The physical trembling may not actually be happening — the phrase conveys how frightened the person feels.

常見錯誤

❌He shakes a lot.
✅He is shaking a lot.
💡With this sense, the continuous form ('is shaking') is strongly preferred over the simple present, which would sound like a habitual physical condition.

4. a person's voice that sounds wavering and uneven, typically revealing that they

4.動詞不及物B1
釋義

顫抖（聲音）

因緊張或激動而使聲音不穩

a person's voice that sounds wavering and uneven, typically revealing that they feel scared, anxious, deeply sad, or furious — for instance, a voice that breaks while recounting a tragic experience or at a moment of farewell.

例句

Ignacio's voice shook as he described the accident to the police officer.

Ignacio 向警察描述那場事故時，聲音在顫抖。

possessor's voice + shook + as + clause

Élise's voice shook when she said goodbye to her family at the train station.

Élise 在火車站向家人道別時，聲音哽咽。

同義詞
  • quaver

    more literary or formal; specifically of a voice that trembles

  • tremble

    can apply to both body and voice, often interchangeable with 'shake' here

文法句型

subject('s) + voice + shakes + with + emotion

subject('s) + voice + shook + as/while + clause

用法筆記

The subject is typically 'voice' preceded by a possessive (his voice, her voice, the speaker's voice). Common with 'with + emotion' (with fear, with emotion, with anger, with sadness). Distinguish from Sense 2: Sense 4 is specifically about the voice, not the whole body. Distinguish from Sense 3: Sense 4 involves an audible physical change in the voice, not just a feeling of fear.

常見錯誤

❌His voice shaked when he spoke.
✅His voice shook when he spoke.
💡'Shake' is an irregular verb; the past tense is 'shook,' not 'shaked.'

5. to clasp a person's hand and briefly pump it in a light up-down motion as a cust

5.動詞及物A2
釋義

握手（單方）

握住他人之手上下移動以示問候

to clasp a person's hand and briefly pump it in a light up-down motion as a customary social gesture of welcome, farewell, or mutual consent — for instance, extending your hand to a new coworker upon introduction.

例句

Liam shook the new coach's hand warmly after the team won the match.

Liam 在球隊贏得比賽後，熱情地握了新任教練的手。

shake + possessive + hand + adverb

Megan shook her landlord's hand and thanked him for fixing the leaky faucet.

Megan 握了房東的手，感謝他修理漏水的水龍頭。

同義詞

文法句型

shake + (possessive) + hand

shake + (person) + by the hand

用法筆記

The person whose hand is shaken appears as a possessive modifier on 'hand': 'shake + someone's + hand.' The adjective 'firmly' (a firm handshake) signals confidence in many cultures. Distinguish from Sense 6: Sense 5 describes one person's action toward another ('I shook his hand'), whereas Sense 6 describes a mutual action between two people ('We shook hands').

常見錯誤

❌I shook hand with him.
✅I shook his hand.
💡The direct object should be 'his hand' (possessive + hand), not 'hand with him.'

6. a reciprocal social ritual in which each person takes the other's hand and brief

6.動詞不及物A2
釋義

互相握手

雙方握住對方之手以示問候或告別

a reciprocal social ritual in which each person takes the other's hand and briefly moves it with a slight up-down motion to express a welcome, a farewell, or a completed arrangement — for example, two people meeting for the first time at a conference.

例句

The two business partners shook hands after signing the contract in the office.

兩位商業夥伴在辦公室簽完合約後互相握手。

plural subject + shake hands + after + event

The old friends shook hands warmly when they met at the airport terminal.

老朋友在機場航廈相遇時，熱情地互相握手。

同義詞

文法句型

(two/many) people + shake + hands

subject + shake(s) + hands + (with each other / with someone)

用法筆記

The subject must be plural (two or more people) or a plural noun phrase. 'Hands' in this expression is always plural, even when only two people are involved. Distinguish from Sense 5: Sense 6 focuses on a mutual gesture between people ('we shook hands'), while Sense 5 focuses on one person's action toward another ('she shook my hand').

常見錯誤

❌He shook hands with me when we met.
✅We shook hands when we met.
💡The reciprocal sense naturally uses a plural subject. Using a singular subject + 'with me' is grammatical but sounds less natural for describing a mutual greeting. Sense 5 ('he shook my hand') is better for the singular-perspective description.

7. to confirm an agreement or promise by briefly holding someone's hand and moving

7.動詞不及物B1
釋義

握手成交

以握手確認協議

to confirm an agreement or promise by briefly holding someone's hand and moving it up and down, instead of signing a document or making a formal arrangement

例句

Nikos shook on the deal with a firm grip and a smile.

Nikos 握緊對方的手，笑著完成了這筆交易。

shake on [something] for agreement

We did not write anything down, so we just shook on it like old friends.

我們沒有寫下任何東西，只是像老朋友那樣握手表示同意。

pronoun object: shake on it

同義詞
  • seal

    more formal; 'seal a deal' implies it is now final and official

  • clinch

    informal; 'clinch a deal' suggests successfully completing negotiations

文法句型

shake on [something]

用法筆記

Almost always used with 'on' or 'on it'. The object of 'on' is what has been agreed upon — a deal, a promise, or terms. More informal than signing a contract.

常見錯誤

❌They shook on him to join the team.
✅They shook on the agreement for him to join the team.
💡'shake on' takes a thing (deal/promise), not a person.

8. as a signal of disagreement, refusal, disbelief, or sadness, to rotate your head

8.動詞及物A2
釋義

搖頭

左右搖頭表示否定或不相信

as a signal of disagreement, refusal, disbelief, or sadness, to rotate your head leftwards and rightwards repeatedly

例句

Noor shook her head when the nurse offered her more medicine.

護士問 Noor 要不要再吃藥時，她搖了搖頭。

shake + possessive + head for refusal

The teacher shook his head in disbelief at the excuse the student gave.

老師聽完學生的藉口，難以置信地搖了搖頭。

同義詞
  • nod

    opposite movement; nod = yes, shake head = no

反義詞
  • nod

    moving the head up and down to show agreement or understanding

文法句型

shake + possessive + head

用法筆記

The object is almost always 'head' or a possessive determiner + 'head' ('my head', 'her head'). The movement is side-to-side, not up-and-down (which means 'yes' in most cultures). In writing, 'shake one's head' is frequently used with adverbs like 'slowly', 'firmly', or 'sadly'.

常見錯誤

❌She shook her head yes.
✅She nodded.' or 'She shook her head no.
💡'shake one's head' means 'no', not 'yes'.

9. to raise a closed hand and move it back and forth with force, as a strong visual

9.動詞及物B2
釋義

揮拳

舉起拳頭用力揮動表示憤怒

to raise a closed hand and move it back and forth with force, as a strong visual expression of rage or a desire to threaten another person

例句

Tendai shook his fist at the driver who cut in front of him.

Tendai 朝著那輛突然插到他前面的車子揮拳怒罵。

shake + fist + at [someone] for anger

The fans shook their fists and shouted when the referee made the call.

裁判做出判決後，球迷們揮著拳頭大聲抗議。

同義詞
  • brandish

    more formal and literary; suggests waving a weapon rather than a fist

文法句型

shake + possessive + fist + at [someone]

用法筆記

The object is always 'fist'. Usually directed at someone or something using 'at'. The gesture is culturally recognised across many regions as a sign of anger, protest, or threat.

10. to shock or disturb someone so deeply that they feel upset, worried, or no longe

10.動詞及物B1
釋義

使震驚

讓人感到震驚、難過或不安

to shock or disturb someone so deeply that they feel upset, worried, or no longer calm and steady inside

例句

The news of the earthquake shook everyone in the small fishing town.

地震的消息震驚了那個小漁村的每一個人。

shake + person / group for emotional impact

Benjamin was deeply shaken by the sudden death of his cousin.

Benjamin 因為表弟的驟逝而深受打擊。

passive: be shaken by [event]

同義詞
  • disturb

    milder; suggests interruption of peace rather than deep shock

  • shock

    similar intensity; emphasises sudden surprise more than lingering worry

  • rattle

    informal; suggests making someone lose composure temporarily

  • unsettle

    milder; suggests making someone feel uneasy rather than deeply disturbed

反義詞
  • calm

    to make someone feel peaceful again after disturbance

  • reassure

    to comfort someone and remove their worries

文法句型

shake + person

be shaken + by/at [something]

用法筆記

Commonly used in the passive ('be shaken'). The active form ('The news shook her') is more dramatic. This sense is stronger than 'upset' but less intense than 'devastate'. The object is usually a person or a group of people.

常見錯誤

❌The earthquake shook the building' (physical movement).
✅The earthquake shook the residents' (emotional disturbance).
💡The physical sense (sense 1) and this emotional sense (sense 10) can be confused when the object is a person.

11. to reduce the strength, stability, or certainty of someone's belief, a system, o

11.動詞及物B2
釋義

動搖

削弱信念、信心或體制的穩定性

to reduce the strength, stability, or certainty of someone's belief, a system, or their self-confidence — for example, weakening someone's trust in a friend or the foundation of a long-held view

例句

The repeated delays shook Emre's faith in the public transport system.

一再的延誤讓 Emre 對大眾運輸系統失去了信心。

shake + possessive + faith in [something]

The financial scandal shook public trust in the bank for many years.

那件金融醜聞多年來動搖了人們對這家銀行的信任。

同義詞
  • weaken

    more general; can apply to physical objects too

  • undermine

    suggests deliberate or gradual damage from below

  • erode

    suggests slow, gradual weakening over time

反義詞
  • strengthen

    to make something stronger or more resilient

  • reinforce

    to add support to something that might be weakening

文法句型

shake + abstract noun

shake + possessive + abstract noun

用法筆記

Unlike sense 10 (emotional upset), this sense targets abstract concepts — beliefs, confidence, trust, systems. The object is never a person. 'Shake' here means 'weaken' or 'undermine' rather than 'disturb'.

常見錯誤

❌The news shook his trust.' (vague — which sense?).
✅The betrayal shook his trust in all his colleagues.
💡Adding the target of trust clarifies this is sense 11, not sense 10.

12. to free yourself from something unpleasant or unwanted, such as a cold, a bad ha

12.動詞及物B2
釋義

擺脫

脫離討厭的事物或跟蹤者

to free yourself from something unpleasant or unwanted, such as a cold, a bad habit, someone following you, or a negative feeling

例句

Christopher has been trying to shake off his cold for two weeks now.

Christopher 想擺脫感冒已經努力了兩個星期。

shake + off + [something undesirable]

The reporter kept following Yan and he could not shake her off.

那名記者一直跟著 Yan，他怎麼也甩不掉她。

pronoun object: shake + pronoun + off

同義詞
  • get rid of

    more general; works for objects, habits, and people

  • shed

    more formal; suggests casting off something like a layer or a habit

  • escape

    suggests getting away from a pursuer or a situation

反義詞
  • acquire

    to gain or develop something (like a habit or a problem)

  • catch

    specifically for illnesses: 'catch a cold' vs 'shake a cold'

文法句型

shake + off + [something]

shake + [something] + off

用法筆記

Often used with 'off' as a particle. When the object is a pronoun ('it', 'her', 'them'), it must go between 'shake' and 'off' ('shake it off', not 'shake off it'). Without 'off', this sense is not possible in most contexts.

常見錯誤

❌He shook off it.
✅He shook it off.
💡Pronoun objects must come between the verb and the particle in separable phrasal verbs.

shake — 名詞