shakedown

[ˈʃeɪkdaʊn]

shakedown Definition

• 1. an act of testing, adjusting or evaluating something
• 2. a thorough search for hidden weapons, explosives, or other contraband
• 3. a fraudulent scheme or extortion

Using shakedown: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "shakedown" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The mechanic did a shakedown of the car after repairing it.

• Example

  The police conducted a shakedown of the suspect's house.

• Example

  The company did a shakedown of their new product before launching it.

• Example

  The mafia boss demanded a shakedown from the local business owners.

shakedown Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for shakedown

• inspection
• search
• frisk
• extortion
• blackmail

Phrases with shakedown

• shakedown cruise

  a trial run of a ship or boat after being repaired or refitted

  Example

  The captain took the ship on a shakedown cruise to test the new engines.

• shakedown fee

  a bribe or extortion money demanded by someone in authority

  Example

  The customs officer demanded a shakedown fee from the tourists.

• shakedown artist

  a person who uses fraudulent schemes or extortion to obtain money or property from others

  Example

  The conman was a notorious shakedown artist who targeted vulnerable people.

Origins of shakedown

from the phrasal verb 'shake down', meaning to test or search by shaking

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Summary: shakedown in Brief

The term 'shakedown' [ˈʃeɪkdaʊn] refers to an act of testing, adjusting, or evaluating something, such as a car or a product. It can also mean a thorough search for hidden weapons or contraband, exemplified by 'The police conducted a shakedown of the suspect's house.' Additionally, 'shakedown' can refer to a fraudulent scheme or extortion, as in 'The mafia boss demanded a shakedown from the local business owners.'