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 company, which turns 50 on April 1, could soon see a leadership shake-up if CEO Tim Cook, 65, steps down.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

WRAP, a non-governmental climate action organisation, called the Simpler Recycling rules "the biggest shake-up in recycling policy in England in 20 years".

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

A month after banning raw lithium exports, Zimbabwe is tightening its regulations and ramping up its crackdown on mineral smuggling in a major shake-up that is winning local praise even as it stirs concerns.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

The potential sale would mark Unilever’s biggest portfolio shake-up in nearly a century, following other brand divestments.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

The storm was accompanied by a terrific gale; trees were blown down, sign boards wrecked, houses were unroofed, sewers overflooded, and there was a general shake-up all along the line.

From The Bradys' Chinese Clew The Secrect Dens of Pell Street by Doughty, Francis Worcester

Related Words

• disturb
• reorganize
• shock