shrug
verb (used with object)
to raise and contract (the shoulders), expressing indifference, disdain, etc.
had shrugged
-
past perfectof shrug.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Europe had shrugged him off; America raised pitchforks, and he smiled.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 12, 2026
Mr Trump had shrugged off her concern, she said.
From BBC ● Dec. 19, 2022
Both contracts on Wednesday had shrugged off a large build in U.S. crude inventories to end the trading session roughly 4% higher.
From Reuters ● Apr. 14, 2022
The woman, who has been identified by the police and her lawyers only by her surname, Zhou, said bosses and human resources had shrugged off her complaints.
From New York Times ● Sep. 1, 2021
But when Theresa answered, “Probably,” the girl had shrugged like a tough and said she didn’t care.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
