Shake down
phrasal verb
To search someone or something carefully and thoroughly because you think they have something illegal or hidden.
The police officer had to shake down the suspect for possible hidden weapons.
Often appears as...
- shake down a suspect
- shake down a vehicle
phrasal verb
To pressure someone into giving you money or information.
The gang tried to shake down the local businesses for protection money.
Often appears as...
- shake down someone for money
- shake down for information
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
phrasal verb
To subject something or someone to a drastic and intense period of testing or distress.
The new software went through a shake down to ensure all bugs were fixed before its release.
Often appears as...
- shake down period
- shake down test
phrasal verb
To search someone or something carefully and thoroughly because you think they have something illegal or hidden.
The police officer had to shake down the suspect for possible hidden weapons.
Often appears as...
- shake down a suspect
- shake down a vehicle
phrasal verb
To pressure someone into giving you money or information.
The gang tried to shake down the local businesses for protection money.
Often appears as...
- shake down someone for money
- shake down for information
Usage tips
Informal, Disapproving
phrasal verb
To subject something or someone to a drastic and intense period of testing or distress.
The new software went through a shake down to ensure all bugs were fixed before its release.
Often appears as...
- shake down period
- shake down test
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity
Often implies an aggressive, thorough search.
The guards are going to shake down the cell block tonight.
Pro Tip 2/3Suspicion
Used when suspecting illicit activity.
Customs agents had to shake down the luggage for smuggled goods.
Pro Tip 3/3Comprehensive
Indicates a complete and detailed search.
Before the festival, police will shake down the venue for safety.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity
Often implies an aggressive, thorough search.
The guards are going to shake down the cell block tonight.
Pro Tip 2/3Suspicion
Used when suspecting illicit activity.
Customs agents had to shake down the luggage for smuggled goods.
Pro Tip 3/3Comprehensive
Indicates a complete and detailed search.
Before the festival, police will shake down the venue for safety.
Pro Tip 1/3Intensity
Often implies an aggressive, thorough search.
The guards are going to shake down the cell block tonight.
Pro Tip 2/3Suspicion
Used when suspecting illicit activity.
Customs agents had to shake down the luggage for smuggled goods.
Pro Tip 3/3Comprehensive
Indicates a complete and detailed search.
Before the festival, police will shake down the venue for safety.
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