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

Example Sentences

The leadership shake-up follows Target adding two members to its board last month.

From The Wall Street Journal

Allan arrived as part of a shake-up to the Downing Street operation as the prime minister tried to improve communications across his administration.

From BBC

The 2023 leadership shake-up in China’s Rocket Force, followed by the removal of other high-level leaders, sowed confusion and instability in the overall space program.

From The Wall Street Journal

Such a radical shake-up points to French eyes on the future, with the returning Dupont the only member of Thursday's matchday squad possessing more than 50 caps.

From BBC

The leader of the second-largest party in South Africa's ruling coalition, the Democratic Alliance, announced Wednesday he would not seek re-election, in a major shake-up ahead of local polls.

From Barron's

Related Words

• disturb
• reorganize
• shock