Pronunciation: /ʃeɪk daʊn/
noun a thorough search for hidden items or illegal activities
A1 The shake down at the airport was quick and efficient.
A2 The police conducted a shake down of the suspect's house.
B1 The company was investigated for possible shake down practices.
B2 The government initiated a shake down of the financial institutions.
C1 The shake down of the corrupt officials revealed shocking evidence.
C2 The shake down of the criminal organization led to multiple arrests.
verb to search thoroughly or to extort money from someone
A1 The police officer shook down the suspect for any hidden weapons.
A2 I always shake down my pockets before leaving the house to make sure I have everything I need.
B1 The company was accused of shaking down its competitors by undercutting prices.
B2 The detective shook down the informant for information on the whereabouts of the missing person.
C1 The government was accused of shaking down businesses for bribes in exchange for contracts.
C2 The mob boss was known for shaking down businesses in the neighborhood for protection money.
formal The police conducted a thorough shake down of the suspect's belongings.
informal I heard the security guards are planning a shake down of the lockers tomorrow.
slang The gang members tried to shake down the shop owner for protection money.
figurative The unexpected news shook down the entire community.
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