shake-up

[sheyk-uhp]

noun

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

shake up

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

noun

1. informal,  a radical or drastic reorganization

Word History and Origins

Origin of shake up¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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

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]

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

Related Words

• disturb 
• reorganize 
• shock