1
a
: a set of staves and headings for one hogshead, cask, or barrel
b
: a bundle of parts (as of boxes) ready to be put together
2
1
dialectal
: nervously upset : shook up
"When Greg got back, obviously, he was shook and distracted a little bit," Rodney Flowers said. … "But I don't believe it affected the outcome of the game …"—Greg Shashack
"… I was shook, I can tell you. … I've been able to do nothing since, but sit here and weep. …"—Ellen Wood
2
slang
: shocked, surprised
Can't wait to give my girl her Christmas gifts & surprise! … She's gonna be so shook & happy!! …—@tee_ya_hana, on X, formerly Twitter
… his [Aaron Brewer's] first thought when he heard about the trade was disbelief. "My initial reaction is I'm just shocked. I'm shook," he said.—Kevin Patra
Yes I pierced my own nose at home with a needle. … idk why people be so shook …—@T_Tarine, on X, formerly Twitter
Note: Usage of this sense originated in African American English and has since become widespread.
3
slang
: extremely moved : overcome with emotion
"One of the highlights definitely was walking out with my grandma," [Jacob] Moore said. "She was super excited. After I won, she was shook."—Essence Barnes
4
slang
: frightened, intimidated
"… all of a sudden, he's scary. You weren't shook when you were eating up all the food he cooked for us …"—Tiffany D. Jackson
"And it wasn't that I was particularly scared. It ain't in me to be shook …"—Tia Williams
Note: Usage of this sense originated in African American English and was popularized by rap and hip-hop lyrics. It has since become widespread.
Cite this Entry
“Shook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shook. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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