Shakeups

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A significant alteration in a system or organization that causes changes to its structure or personnel
2. An unexpected event that leads to a reorganization or reshuffling of elements within a group or institution
3. A dramatic shift or disturbance that results in new arrangements or changes in roles and responsibilities within a particular setting

Etymology: "Shakeups" is the plural of "shakeup", a noun formed from the phrasal verb "shake up". The noun is deverbal, meaning it was derived from the verb rather than from a separate older noun. The verb "shake up" sets elements in motion by jolting them, and the noun carries that sense into the idea of a sudden disruption that rearranges everything that was settled before. The plural form is simply the regular English plural, so the same story applies to the singular. The word follows the pattern of many English nouns made from phrasal verbs, such as "breakdown" and "takeover," where a verb particle pair becomes a single noun naming the result of the action.

Synonyms: disruptions, changes, upheavals, transformations, overhauls

Antonyms: stability, continuity, consistency, calmness, order