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

Altogether, Baltimore’s shake-up will have dramatic ramifications across the sport.

From The Wall Street Journal

The shake-up of driving laws is aimed at reducing the number of people killed or badly injured on Britain's roads by 65% over the next decade, and by 70% for children under 16.

From BBC

Investors said Nestlé is overdue a shake-up and should also sharpen its governance after two chaotic CEO changes in a year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Sir Keir Starmer appointed Jones to the newly-created role of chief secretary, with the job of enforcing policy delivery across government, in September as part of the latest shake-up of his Downing Street operation.

From BBC

The three have been around the L.A. comedy scene for years and felt like it was time for a shake-up.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disturb
• reorganize
• shock