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
The road workers sheltering beneath a tanker had shrugged off the danger.
From BBC ● Jun. 1, 2026
The family was told that Jesse had shrugged off his backpack and went over the rail.
From New York Times ● Nov. 5, 2023
Kyiv residents who for months had shrugged off air raid sirens rushed into basements, protected rooms or hallways, and especially deep underground subway stations, seen as the safest places to wait out the attacks.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 10, 2022
Z had shrugged and looked off toward the window while Rashid transferred his weight back and forth, trying to come up with something else to say.
From "Time Bomb" by Joelle Charbonneau
