shake off

present singular third person shakes off · participle present shaking off · past shook off · participle past shaken off

1. 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.

   Synonyms: forshake

2. To dissociate oneself from (an allegation or rumour).

   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.

   2022 November 30, Nick Brodrick, “Pride and innovation shine at St Pancras”, in RAIL, number 971, page 69

   1 more example

   Dozens of foreigners have been jailed for child sex crimes or deported to face trial in their home countries since Cambodia launched an anti-pedophilia push in 2003, to try to shake off its reputation as a haven for sex predators.

   2010 March 20, “Police say Australian arrested for child sex in Cambodia”, in The Australian

3. 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.

4. To rid oneself of a malady or its symptoms

   I just can't shake off this cold.