Shakedowns Meaning in English
word · lemma: shakedown
Definition
Plural of 'shakedown'. Refers to acts of forced extortion (making someone give money by threats) or sudden searches for hidden items, especially in prison or law enforcement.
Usage & Nuances
'Shakedowns' is informal/slang, especially in crime or prison contexts. It can mean extortion (crime) or surprise searches (prisons, law enforcement). Collocates with 'police', 'prison', or 'mafia'. Don't confuse with 'breakdowns' or 'crackdowns'.
Example Sentences
The guards do shakedowns in the prison every week.
basic
Many businesses suffered from mafia shakedowns in the past.
basic
After several shakedowns, the police found the hidden phone.
basic
There have been a lot of shakedowns by corrupt cops lately.
natural
Cell phones always disappear after those shakedowns on our block.
natural
He keeps quiet about the shakedowns because he's scared of getting into trouble.
natural