The phrase "shook down" refers to forcibly extorting someone or searching them thoroughly. The IPA phonetic transcription of this phrase is /ʃʊk daʊn/. The "sh" sound is created by placing the tongue behind the upper teeth and forcing air out, while the "oo" sound is made by rounding the lips. The "k" and "d" sounds are created by using the back of the tongue against the roof of the mouth, while the "aʊ" sound is made by gliding from the back of the mouth to the front.
Shook down is a phrasal verb that has several meanings depending on the context. Overall, it refers to a process of searching, investigating, or extorting money from someone through coercion or intimidation. The following is a 200-word dictionary definition of this term:
Shook down, in its most common usage, refers to the act of vigorously searching or investigating areas, individuals, or organizations for specific items, evidence, or illicit activities. It typically involves intense scrutiny or exploration conducted with the intention of uncovering hidden or concealed objects, substances, or information. This practice often involves thorough examination or search procedures, such as turning over or rearranging items, systematically analyzing records, interrogating witnesses, or employing advanced surveillance techniques in order to obtain desired results.
In other contexts, shook down can refer to an act of forcefully and unlawfully extorting money or valuable resources from someone through coercion, intimidation, or blackmail. This form of shakedown often occurs when an individual or group exploits vulnerability or threatens harm, prompting the victim to comply with their demands out of fear or self-preservation.
Shook down can also be used metaphorically to describe a process of testing or pushing someone to their limits, in order to determine their true character, capabilities, or weaknesses. This may involve subjecting individuals or systems to various challenges or difficulties, gauging their response or reaction, with the aim of revealing their true nature or ascertain their effectiveness.
Overall, whether referring to a thorough search, illicit extortion, or a means of testing, shook down encompasses methods characterized by intensity, force, or coercion to achieve specific outcomes.
The phrase "shook down" is a colloquial expression that originated from the English language. It combines two words: "shook" and "down".
1. Shook: The word "shook" is a conjugation of the verb "shake" in the past tense. "Shake" comes from the Old English word "scacan", which means "to move back and forth with quick, forceful movements". Over time, this verb evolved into "shake" in Middle English.
2. Down: "Down" originally comes from the Old English word "dūn", which referred to a hill or a mound. It eventually gained additional meanings, such as a lower direction or movement, as well as referring to a depressed or defeated state.