shift
2 antonyms for shift — opposites grouped by meaning.
Verb — To move something from one place or position to another.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To move something from one place or position to another.
“She shifted the boxes to the other side of the room.”
move
budge
reposition
relocate
transfer
adjust
displace
slide
change
break
fault
switch
pitch
transformation
slip
switching
shifting
stir
sack
teddy
fracture
tilt
lurch
shimmy
wobble
agitate
Opposites
Antonyms
How to use shift
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
shift gears
night shift
shift the blame
a shift in attitude
Etymology
From Old English sċiftan, meaning "to divide, arrange, or organise" — the sense narrowed over time to mean simply "to move or change."
Full origin of shift →Frequently asked questions
What does “shift” mean?
The word “shift” means to move something from one place or position to another. In plain terms, to move or change position — or, as a noun, a fixed period of work time or the keyboard key for capitals.
How do you pronounce “shift”?
“Shift” is pronounced SHIHFT (/ˈʃɪft/ in IPA).
How do you use “shift” in a sentence?
Here is “shift” used in a sentence: “She shifted the boxes to the other side of the room.”
What part of speech is “shift”?
Depending on how it is used, “shift” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “shift” come from?
The word “shift” comes from Old English. From Old English sċiftan, meaning "to divide, arrange, or organise" — the sense narrowed over time to mean simply "to move or change.".
Is “shift” a common word?
“Shift” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “shift” have?
“Shift” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to move something from one place or position to another.
What is the difference between 'shift' and 'move'?
'Move' is the general word for changing position. 'Shift' usually means a smaller or slighter change — nudging, adjusting, or repositioning something rather than transporting it far. You might move house across the country, but shift a chair a few inches. 'Shift' often suggests a partial or subtle adjustment.
Can 'shift' be used figuratively?
Yes. Beyond moving objects, 'shift' describes changes in less physical things: opinions shift, blame is shifted onto someone, and attention shifts from one topic to another. In each case the core idea remains — something changes from one position, state, or focus to another.
Is 'shift' also a noun?
Yes. As a noun, 'shift' can mean a change ('a shift in mood'), a set period of work ('the night shift'), or a key on a keyboard. All connect to the verb's core meaning of moving or changing from one state, position, or arrangement to another.
What is an example of 'shift' as a verb?
'Could you help me shift this table nearer the window?' shows the everyday sense of moving an object. Figuratively, 'the company shifted its focus to online sales' shows a change of direction. Both involve moving something from one place, position, or state to another.
