sacudir
verbCEFR B2
What does “sacudir” mean in English?
to shake, to rock
to shake, to rock (sacudir + noun — physical shaking or figurative shock; very common in journalism)
Example sentences
El escándalo de corrupción sacudió al gobierno y provocó la dimisión de varios ministros.
The corruption scandal rocked the government and led to the resignation of several ministers.
El terremoto sacudió la región durante más de veinte segundos, causando daños considerables.
The earthquake shook the region for more than twenty seconds, causing considerable damage.
How to use it
Sacudir means 'to shake' or 'to rock'. Both literal (sacudir una alfombra — shake a rug) and figurative (el escándalo sacudió al gobierno — the scandal rocked the government). The figurative sense is the most productive at B2 in journalism and political discourse.
Common mistake
Sacudir (shake — physical or figurative impact) vs. agitar (shake/stir — more sustained motion, also figurative: agitar las masas) vs. conmocionar (shock deeply — emotional). In journalism, sacudir is the standard verb for 'rock' (a scandal rocked...).