shakedown
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈʃeɪkˌdaʊn/
KK: /ˈʃeɪkˌdaʊn/
adjective
Definition
A type of test or trial that is done to check how well something works, especially a ship or aircraft, and to help the crew learn how to operate it.
Example
The crew went on a shakedown cruise to ensure the ship was ready for its first voyage.
Conversation
Did you hear about the shakedown cruise they are planning for the new yacht?
Yeah, I heard it's supposed to be really exciting!
I can't wait to see how it performs during the shakedown.
Me too! It'll be interesting to see if they encounter any issues.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
trial
test
initial
Antonyms
final
permanent
established
noun
Definition
A thorough search of a person or place, often to find something hidden, or the act of extorting money from someone, usually through threats or coercion.
Example
The police conducted a shakedown of the suspect's apartment looking for evidence.
Conversation
Did you hear about that big shakedown at the park yesterday?
Yeah, I saw it on the news! It sounded intense.
I wonder what they found during the shakedown.
Root Explanation
Shakedown is formed from "shake" (from Old English "sceacan", meaning to move or disturb) and "down" (meaning from a higher to a lower position). The word describes the act of shaking something down, often to extract information or money.
Memory Tip
Think of 'shaking' something to 'disturb' it and 'down' means to bring it lower — that's why a shakedown refers to extracting something by shaking it down.
Visually Confused Words
takedown
shadow