Shakedown
noun
An act of forcefully taking money or resources from someone, often illegally or unfairly.
He was accused of running a shakedown scheme to exploit small businesses.
Often appears as...
- running a shakedown
- accused of shakedown
noun
A thorough test of a new or redesigned piece of equipment or machinery to find and fix faults before it is used regularly.
The new rocket underwent a shakedown test before launch.
Often appears as...
- shakedown test
- shakedown cruise
Usage tips
Technical
noun
A rearrangement or restructuring, typically in the attempt to improve efficiency or effectiveness.
The company is considering a major shakedown in its sales department.
Often appears as...
- major shakedown
- shakedown in department
Usage tips
Business
noun
A search of a person or place by police or authorities, typically for concealed illegal possessions.
The prisoners were subjected to a shakedown by the guards for hidden contraband.
Often appears as...
- police shakedown
- shakedown for contraband
Usage tips
Informal
noun
An act of forcefully taking money or resources from someone, often illegally or unfairly.
He was accused of running a shakedown scheme to exploit small businesses.
Often appears as...
- running a shakedown
- accused of shakedown
noun
A thorough test of a new or redesigned piece of equipment or machinery to find and fix faults before it is used regularly.
The new rocket underwent a shakedown test before launch.
Often appears as...
- shakedown test
- shakedown cruise
Usage tips
Technical
noun
A rearrangement or restructuring, typically in the attempt to improve efficiency or effectiveness.
The company is considering a major shakedown in its sales department.
Often appears as...
- major shakedown
- shakedown in department
Usage tips
Business
noun
A search of a person or place by police or authorities, typically for concealed illegal possessions.
The prisoners were subjected to a shakedown by the guards for hidden contraband.
Often appears as...
- police shakedown
- shakedown for contraband
Usage tips
Informal
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Shakedown has a negative meaning, suggesting unethical or illegal pressure.
Local businesses were tired of the mafia's shakedown demands.
Pro Tip 2/3Implies Coercion
Use 'shakedown' when someone is coerced into giving money, often protecting from harm.
The nightclub owner paid the gang to avoid a shakedown.
Pro Tip 3/3Often Illegal
Shakedown typically refers to activities that are illegal or borderline legal.
He got arrested for his role in the shakedown of tourists.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Shakedown has a negative meaning, suggesting unethical or illegal pressure.
Local businesses were tired of the mafia's shakedown demands.
Pro Tip 2/3Implies Coercion
Use 'shakedown' when someone is coerced into giving money, often protecting from harm.
The nightclub owner paid the gang to avoid a shakedown.
Pro Tip 3/3Often Illegal
Shakedown typically refers to activities that are illegal or borderline legal.
He got arrested for his role in the shakedown of tourists.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Shakedown has a negative meaning, suggesting unethical or illegal pressure.
Local businesses were tired of the mafia's shakedown demands.
Pro Tip 2/3Implies Coercion
Use 'shakedown' when someone is coerced into giving money, often protecting from harm.
The nightclub owner paid the gang to avoid a shakedown.
Pro Tip 3/3Often Illegal
Shakedown typically refers to activities that are illegal or borderline legal.
He got arrested for his role in the shakedown of tourists.
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Video examples
Snowmobile Inspection PIPE...
so we always travel with a spare these are our guide rods these are down in the snow and we want to turn these are the rods that make a turn these are essential to steering so I always check the guide rods I want to go take it out and give it a real ride I want to open it up we call it a shakedown you go out and go find out what's wrong
Video examples
Snowmobile Inspection PIPE...
so we always travel with a spare these are our guide rods these are down in the snow and we want to turn these are the rods that make a turn these are essential to steering so I always check the guide rods I want to go take it out and give it a real ride I want to open it up we call it a shakedown you go out and go find out what's wrong
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Anthony Anderson
American Actor
Everyone realized I was the innocent victim of a shakedown.
Quote examples
Anthony Anderson
American Actor
Everyone realized I was the innocent victim of a shakedown.
Example 1 of 1
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