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 .

Example Sentences

Last year, it launched plans to share more of its revenue with creators as part of a shake-up, allowing streamers to make money through fans subscribing to their channel.

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To fans and supporters, her methods represent a needed shake-up for an institution that has become stuck in its ways and is struggling to compete in the ratings.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It has been described as the biggest shake-up of renting in England in more than 30 years and includes changes to fixed contracts, a ban on no-fault evictions and redress for "excessive" rent increases.

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The major shake-up to asylum policy comes as the government seeks to reduce small boat crossings and asylum claims.

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The Renters' Rights Act - described as the biggest shake-up to renting in England for more than 30 years - was formally approved at the end of October.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• disturb 
• reorganize 
• shock