shake-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈshāk-ˌəp 

: an act or instance of shaking up

specifically : an extensive and often drastic reorganization

shake up

2 of 2

verb

shook up; shaken up; shaking up; shakes up

transitive verb

1

obsolete : chide, scold

2

: to jar by or as if by a physical shock

the collision shook up both drivers

3

: to effect an extensive and often drastic reorganization of

Synonyms

Verb

• appall
• appal
• floor
• jolt
• shock

Examples of shake-up in a Sentence

Verb

the news that we had failed the auto inspection shook us up

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Morning Show’s season three finale foreshadowed more shake-ups at the news network, which could mean even more rebranding to come. —Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 June 2024

Historically, Orlando voters haven’t opted for shake-ups. —Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 12 June 2024

Verb

Three candidates represent a group of newcomers looking to shake up the council. —The Arizona Republic, 10 June 2024

Younger employees have also started to shake up company culture with more casual attire and communication styles, and more frankness about mental health and employer accountability. —Phil Blair, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1847, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1538, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

shake-up

1 of 2 noun

ˈshā-ˌkəp

: an act or instance of shaking up

especially : a reorganization that has extreme effects

lost their jobs in an office shake-up

shake up

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)shā-ˈkəp

1

: to jar by or as if by a physical shock

the accident shook up both drivers

the news shook us up

2

: to bring about an extensive reorganization of