Word
shakes
US/ˈʃeɪks/
UK/ʃˈeɪks/
Plural noun
Definition
n. uncontrollable shaking of the body, often caused by being very nervous, cold, or recovering from drinking too much alcohol.
n. a state of involuntary physical trembling or shivering, often associated with anxiety, cold, or withdrawal symptoms.
Examples
“I always get the shakes before I have to give a speech.”
“After spending three hours in the freezing rain, he had a bad case of the shakes and couldn't hold his tea.”
“The patient exhibited a mild case of the shakes during the initial assessment, which the physician attributed to a combination of acute caffeine intake and general fatigue.”
Examples
simple
“I always get the shakes before I have to give a speech.”
contextual
“After spending three hours in the freezing rain, he had a bad case of the shakes and couldn't hold his tea.”
complex
“The patient exhibited a mild case of the shakes during the initial assessment, which the physician attributed to a combination of acute caffeine intake and general fatigue.”
Real-World Examples
“A buyer walks up to the seller, shakes their hand, and walks away with the drugs.” “Perhaps, when all of this shakes out, it will be the only company left that can afford to provide game streaming services at all.” Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
01. brace of shakes
02. no great shakes
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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- Informal
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