shook
1 Americannoun
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a set of staves and headings sufficient for one hogshead, barrel, or the like.
-
a set of the parts of a box, piece of furniture, or the like, ready to be put together.
-
a shock of sheaves or the like.
noun
-
(in timber working) a set of parts ready for assembly, esp of a barrel
-
a group of sheaves piled together on end; shock
verb
adjective
Usage
What else does shook mean? Shook is the past tense form of shake, used as a slang term to describe feelings ranging from discombobulation and fear to rage and elation, kind of like "all shaken up."
Etymology
Origin of shook1
First recorded in 1890–95, for the adjective
Origin of shook2
First recorded in 1760–70; short for shook cask, variant of shaken cask, one dismounted for shipment
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Despite believing Mangione was the prime suspect in a murder that shook the country, officers initially failed to inform him of his rights, including his right to remain silent.
From Barron's • May 18, 2026
The two leaders shook hands warmly, Trump patting Xi's hand, and exchanged a few words on the red carpet before the cameras.
From Barron's • May 14, 2026
As one of the most successful and beloved managers in the women's game, his death shook the world of football and beyond.
From BBC • May 12, 2026
A swarm of earthquakes shook Imperial County this weekend, with dozens of quakes, ranging in magnitude from 2.5 to 4.7, rattling the region around Brawley, south of the Salton Sea.
From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026
She thought for a moment, then shook her head.
From "Black Star, Bright Dawn" by Scott O'Dell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
