What does "shakes" mean?

1. (trembling or shivering) a feeling of trembling in your body because you are cold, scared, or sick. 2. (withdrawal symptoms) uncontrollable shaking of the hands or body, usually caused by stopping drinking alcohol or using drugs.

How do you use "shakes"?

Usually used with the definite article as 'the shakes'.

shakes

US //ˈʃeɪks// UK //ʃˈeɪks// shakes

1 trembling or shivering (n.)
B1 Intermediate Informal

a feeling of trembling in your body because you are cold, scared, or sick.

a state of physical trembling or shivering, often resulting from fear, cold, or physical exhaustion.

Example

He had a bad case of the shakes before his big presentation.

Example

After hours of hiking through the freezing rain, she developed a persistent case of the shakes that only a warm bath could soothe.
- tremors
- shivers
- jitters
- calm
- steadiness
2 withdrawal symptoms (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal Slang Medicine

uncontrollable shaking of the hands or body, usually caused by stopping drinking alcohol or using drugs.

physical tremors associated with withdrawal from addictive substances, particularly alcohol.

Example

The patient was suffering from the shakes after three days without a drink.

Example

The physician noted that the patient had developed the shakes, a classic sign of acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Usage

Usually used with the definite article as 'the shakes'.

Teacher's tip

While informal, this is a common way to describe a serious medical condition; in a clinical setting, 'tremors' is preferred.
- delirium tremens
- tremors

Idioms2 entries