shakedown
Translation
shakedown, extortion, thorough search
Examples
The gang ran a shakedown on local businesses.
The gang ran a shakedown on local businesses.
Guards performed a shakedown of the prison cells.
Guards performed a shakedown of the prison cells.
This is the shakedown cruise for the new ship.
This is the shakedown cruise for the new ship.
Grammar Patterns
a shakedown of (sth.) a thorough search of (a place) The guards performed a shakedown of the cells.
a shakedown on (sb.) an act of getting money from (sb.) by using threats The gang ran a shakedown on local businesses.
Similar Words
extortion, blackmail, search
Etymology
A combination of 'shake' and 'down'. Literally, to shake something down to get what you want.
Memory Tips
Picture a bully shaking someone to make money fall out of their pockets.