shake-up

[sheyk-uhp]

noun

1. a thorough change in a business, department, or the like, as by dismissals, demotions, etc.

shake up

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

noun

1. informal,  a radical or drastic reorganization

Word History and Origins

Origin of shake up¹

First recorded in 1900–05; noun use of verb phrase shake up

Idioms and Phrases

Agitate in order to mix or loosen, as in This cough medicine needs to be thoroughly shaken up , or Please shake up these pillows .

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]

Subject to drastic rearrangement or reorganization, as in New management was bent on shaking up each division .

Example Sentences

He then admitted he had once described the CDC as the "most corrupt" agency in government, and strongly hinted he's not finished with his plans to shake up the organisation.

From BBC

But after a cycle on the defensive, the group is targeting incumbents again in favor of working-class progressives who will shake up the status quo.

From Los Angeles Times

The No 10 communications team is also being shaken up, with fresh economic expertise also brought in.

From BBC

The news comes as the government considers ways to shake up how housing is taxed in the UK, according to reports.

From BBC

Slot should be seriously concerned about how they were shaken up so badly by Newcastle's 10 men.

From BBC

Related Words

• disturb 
• reorganize 
• shock