shake off

English edit

shake off (third-person singular simple present shakes off, present participle shaking off, simple past shook off, past participle shaken off)

To remove (something attached to, on or clinging to an object) by shaking.
The archaeologists shook off the dust that had fallen from the roof, and promptly continued their work.
To dissociate oneself from (an allegation or rumour).
- 2022 November 30, Nick Brodrick, “Pride and innovation shine at St Pancras”, in RAIL, number 971, page 69:
  The 21st century's spectacular reimagined transport hub "set out to shake off the old image of stations. I think it's successfully done that, and it's great that others are following suit," Spinks continues.
Some rumors that the governor had smoked pot as a teenager were flying around, but he has finally managed to shake them off.
To lose someone who is tracking you
The police are chasing us! Quick, turn into that side street! We've got to shake them off.
To rid oneself of a malady or its symptoms
I just can't shake off this cold.

to remove by shaking

to dissociate oneself from

to lose someone tracking

to rid oneself of a malady