noun
shakedown
SHAYK-down
Shakedown (noun) means Extortion — pressuring someone for money through threats or blackmail. Example: “The gang ran a shakedown scheme on local shop owners.”
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- shakedowns
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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.
Rhymes for shakedown
See all rhymes for shakedown →Frequently asked questions
What does “shakedown” mean?
The word “shakedown” means extortion — pressuring someone for money through threats or blackmail. In plain terms, either an extortion scheme, a thorough search, or a testing period for new equipment.
How do you pronounce “shakedown”?
“Shakedown” is pronounced SHAYK-down (/ˈʃeɪkdaʊn/ in IPA).
How do you use “shakedown” in a sentence?
Here is “shakedown” used in a sentence: “The gang ran a shakedown scheme on local shop owners.”
What part of speech is “shakedown”?
“Shakedown” is a noun.
How many meanings does “shakedown” have?
“Shakedown” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: extortion — pressuring someone for money through threats or blackmail.
