French word

secouer

Pronunciation

IPA/səkwe/

Meaning

  • verbshake

Example

Secoue la bouteille avant de l'ouvrir.

Shake the bottle before opening it.

Illustration for secouer (shake)

More examples

Elle a secoué son manteau pour enlever la neige.

She shook her coat to remove the snow.

Core concept

A hand vigorously shakes a bottle or cloth until dust, drops, or another clinging substance breaks free.

Common phrases

  • secouer la tête

    shake one's head

  • secouer le manteau

    shake the coat

  • secouer la poussière

    shake off the dust

Similar words

agiter: Move a liquid or container vigorously to mix its contents thoroughly.
remuer: Stir liquid or food with a spoon or hand to mix it evenly.
essorer: Wring fabric or laundry firmly to remove water from it.
hocher: Move the head slightly up and down to express agreement or understanding.

Definition in French

Faire tomber ou enlever quelque chose qui adhère à une surface en l'agitant; verbe transitif.

Word origin

French secouer comes through Old French from Latin excutere, combining ex- meaning 'out' with quatere meaning 'shake'.

Usage tips

  • The verb takes a direct object without a preposition, as in secouer la bouteille, not secouer à la bouteille.

Other meanings

  • shake offverb

Opposites

Related words

  • secouéshakenadjective

Word lists with this word