揺さぶりをかける

• Reading: ゆさぶりをかける
• Romaji: yusaburi wo kakeru
• Kanji breakdown: 揺 (yō/yuru) — to shake, to rock; 掛 (ka/kakeru) — to hang, to apply, to impose
• Pronunciation: /jɯ.sa.bɯ.ɾi.o.ka.ke.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To shake up; to rock; to apply psychological or physical pressure in order to unsettle someone. Used both literally and figuratively.

A compound verbal phrase: 揺さぶり (the act of shaking, derived from 揺さぶる) plus をかける (to apply, to impose). The figurative sense is dominant in N1-level usage, referring to destabilising tactics in negotiations, sports, politics, or interpersonal dynamics. It implies deliberate, calculated pressure.

Examples

1. 交渉相手に心理的な揺さぶりをかける戦術が功を奏した。 The tactic of applying psychological pressure on the negotiating partner proved effective.
2. 選手たちは相手チームに激しい揺さぶりをかけ、守備の隙を作った。 The players applied intense pressure on the opposing team, creating gaps in their defence.
3. マスコミは政府に継続的な揺さぶりをかけ、世論を動かそうとした。 The media applied sustained pressure on the government, attempting to sway public opinion.

Usage Guide

Context: sports, negotiations, politics, psychology, journalism

Tone: strategic

Origin & History

Derived from 揺さぶる (to shake vigorously), itself an intensified form of 揺る (to shake). The addition of をかける (to impose upon) frames the action as a deliberate tactic rather than an incidental disturbance.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: General