What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shakedown
Example
The guards conducted a shakedown of the inmates' cells to search for any prohibited items. [shakedown: noun]
Example
The mafia boss demanded a shakedown of the local businesses for protection money. [shakedown: verb]
frisk
Example
The officer frisked the suspect before placing them in the patrol car. [frisk: verb]
Example
The detective performed a frisk of the suspect's pockets but found nothing incriminating. [frisk: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frisk is more commonly used than shakedown in everyday language, especially in the context of police investigations or security checks. Shakedown is less common and has a negative connotation due to its association with illegal activities.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shakedown and frisk?
Both shakedown and frisk are informal words, but frisk can be used in more formal contexts such as legal proceedings or police reports.
