noun
shakedown
SHAYK-down
noun
1
Extortion — pressuring someone for money through threats or blackmail.
"The gang ran a shakedown scheme on local shop owners."
2
A thorough search of a person or place.
"Guards gave the cell a full shakedown looking for contraband."
3
A trial run used to test something, especially a new ship or aircraft, before full use.
"The submarine completed its shakedown cruise without incident."
How to Use Shakedown
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither an extortion scheme, a thorough search, or a testing period for new equipment.
Common pairings
shakedown cruise
a shakedown search
Word Forms
shakedowns plural
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The gang ran a _____ scheme on local shop owners.
Etymology
From the phrasal verb "shake down" — originally referring to shaking straw into a makeshift bed.