shake up

To make someone feel very upset, shocked, or frightened.

• The accident shook me up.
• He was badly shaken up by the sudden loss.
• Did seeing the crash shake you up?

How to use it: shake someone up (The near miss shook me up.); be shaken up by something (She was shaken up by the news.)

Similar words: upset, distress, shock

Opposites: reassure

Common phrases: shake someone up, shake up someone

To move a container quickly and repeatedly so that its contents mix or move around.

• Shake up the bottle first.
• He shook up the juice to mix it.
• Have you shaken the paint up properly?

How to use it: shake something up (Shake the mixture up before using it.)

Similar words: shake, agitate

Common phrases: shake up a bottle, shake something up

To make major changes to an organization, system, or situation, usually to improve it.

• The new boss shook things up.
• Online shopping has shaken up the retail industry.
• Will these reforms shake up the education system?

How to use it: shake something up (The new manager shook the department up.)

Similar words: reorganize, reform, overhaul

Common phrases: shake up the system, shake things up

To shake something soft so it becomes full and returns to its usual shape.

• Shake up the pillows before bed.
• She shook up the flat cushions on the sofa.
• Have you shaken the duvet up to spread the filling?

How to use it: shake something up (She shook the cushions up after sitting on them.)

Similar words: fluff up, plump up

Common phrases: shake up a pillow, shake up the cushions