# shake up

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shake-up
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To upset or distress (a person).

## Examples

- The sudden news really shook me up.
- The car accident was minor, but it still shook him up for the rest of the day.
- Witnessing such a violent confrontation in the quiet street shook up the neighbors, leaving them feeling vulnerable and anxious for several days afterward.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.