shakedown

American  

[sheyk-doun] / ˈʃeɪkˌdaʊn /

Or shake-down

noun

1. extortion, as by blackmail or threats of violence.

2. a thorough search.

   a shakedown of prison cells to uncover hidden drugs.

3. a bed, as of straw or blankets, spread on the floor.

4. any makeshift bed.

5. the act or process of shaking down.

6. Also called shakedown flight.  Also called shakedown cruise,.  a cruise or flight intended to prepare a new vessel or aircraft for regular service by accustoming the crew to its features and peculiarities, breaking in and adjusting machinery, etc.

---

Etymology

Origin of shakedown

First recorded in 1490–1500; noun, adj. use of verb phrase shake down

Example Sentences

We're talking at the plush hotel Racing Bulls have picked as their base for the two pre-season tests in Bahrain, which followed a 'shakedown' in Spain.

From BBC

Aston Martin also missed almost two full days of last month's Barcelona shakedown.

From Barron's

Williams driver Alexander Albon fears missing the Barcelona shakedown last month has left his team clawing to make up lost ground to its main rivals in the build-up on the new Formula One season.

From Barron's

Brown said the evidence of the first 'shakedown' test in Spain last month was that they, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull "all seemed competitive".

From BBC

Norris is basing his early assessment of the cars on the 'shakedown' test that was held in Barcelona last week.

From BBC

Related Words

• blackmail