shakedownshake·down /ˈʃeɪkdaʊn/ (also shake-down) noun [countableC]1a period of time when people start to get used to a new arrangement and it becomes more effectiveThe company is expected to enter its final shakedown phase by the middle of September.
2FINANCE a period of time when prices are falling on a financial marketThe shakedown in engineering shares seems to be nearly over, with only minor declines yesterday.
3American EnglishAmE the process of getting money from someone, using threatsHe had banked $25,000 in one day from the shakedown of bucket-shop proprietors, shady dealers in the stock market.