shakes
Shakes (noun) means Uncontrollable trembling, often caused by alcohol withdrawal or fear. Example: “He had a bad case of the shakes after quitting drinking.”
How to Use Shakes
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishInformal term for shaking or trembling, especially from withdrawal, nerves, or cold.
Word Forms
the shakes plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
He had a bad case of the _____ after quitting drinking.
Synonyms
View more →Related Words
Rhymes for shakes
See all rhymes for shakes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “shakes” mean?
The word “shakes” means uncontrollable trembling, often caused by alcohol withdrawal or fear. In plain terms, informal term for shaking or trembling, especially from withdrawal, nerves, or cold.
How do you pronounce “shakes”?
“Shakes” is pronounced shayks (/ʃeɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “shakes” in a sentence?
Here is “shakes” used in a sentence: “He had a bad case of the shakes after quitting drinking.”
What part of speech is “shakes”?
“Shakes” is a noun.
Is “shakes” a common word?
“Shakes” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between shakes and tremors?
Shakes is an informal term for uncontrollable trembling, often linked to alcohol withdrawal or fear. Tremors is the more clinical term used in medical contexts and can refer to trembling caused by a wider range of conditions, including neurological disorders.
Are the shakes always caused by alcohol withdrawal?
No. While the shakes are often associated with alcohol withdrawal, the term also describes uncontrollable trembling caused by fear or nervousness, not only substance-related causes.
Is shakes a formal or informal term?
Shakes is an informal term. In medical or clinical settings, the trembling it describes is more often referred to as tremors.