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• shake-up
  shake-up

  noun

  a thorough change in a business, department, or the like, as by dismissals, demotions, etc.
• shake up
  shake up

  verb

  to shake or agitate in order to mix

shake-up

American  

[sheyk-uhp] / ˈʃeɪkˌʌp /

noun

1. a thorough change in a business, department, or the like, as by dismissals, demotions, etc.

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shake up British  

verb

1. to shake or agitate in order to mix

2. to reorganize drastically

3. to stir or rouse

4. to restore the shape of (a pillow, cushion, etc)

5. informal to disturb or shock mentally or physically

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noun

1. informal a radical or drastic reorganization

shake up Idioms  

1. Agitate in order to mix or loosen, as in This cough medicine needs to be thoroughly shaken up , or Please shake up these pillows .

2. Upset greatly, as in Even though no one was hurt, he was greatly shaken up by the accident . This usage alludes to being agitated like a liquid being shaken. Also see all shook up . [Late 1800s]

3. Subject to drastic rearrangement or reorganization, as in New management was bent on shaking up each division .

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Etymology

Origin of shake-up

First recorded in 1900–05; noun use of verb phrase shake up

Explanation

A shake-up is a major change or upheaval. If there's a shake-up on your soccer team, you might suddenly find yourself playing midfield instead of your usual position defending the goal. Whenever there's reorganization at a company, especially if lots of people lose their jobs, it's described as a shake-up. You can use this word for any similarly drastic change, like a shake-up in your morning routine after your family gets a new puppy that needs to be walked for an hour, or a shake-up in government after a major election.

Example Sentences

Bilt’s rewards shake-up puts renters in a tough spot.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

The deal, reached Saturday and subject to regulatory approval, is one of the biggest European telecoms deals in recent years, and represents a major shake-up in France's telecommunications sector.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Weiss has promised a significant shake-up to CBS News since taking the helm in October.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

Domestic energy bills fell by 7% between April and July, following a shake-up in charges by the government.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

At the same time there will be an equally terrific shake-up in the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon, and stars.

From Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation by Gordon, S. D. (Samuel Dickey)

Related Words

• disturb
• reorganize
• shock