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

Extortion — pressuring someone for money through threats or blackmail.

"The gang ran a shakedown scheme on local shop owners."

A thorough search of a person or place.

"Guards gave the cell a full shakedown looking for contraband."

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 notes

In 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.

Rhymes for shakedown

hoedown takedown

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.