Simple Definition of shakedown
: the act of taking something (such as money) from someone by using threats or deception
: a thorough search of something
: a thorough test of a new ship, airplane, etc., in order to make sure there are no problems or defects
Full Definition of shakedown
1 : an improvised bed (as one made up on the floor)
2 : a boisterous dance
4 : a thorough search
5 : a process or period of adjustment
6 : a testing under operating conditions of something new (as a ship) for possible faults and defects and for familiarizing the operators with it
Examples of shakedown in a sentence
He was the victim of a shakedown by a street gang.
The guards conducted a shakedown of the prisoners' cells to look for weapons.
They're putting the system through a shakedown.
First Known Use of shakedown
Rhymes with shakedown
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Seen and Heard
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