To shake or jolt something, causing it to sway or move violently.
強風が木を激しく揺さぶった。
The strong wind shook the tree violently.
地震で建物が揺さぶられ、棚の皿が落ちた。
The earthquake shook the building and the plates on the shelf fell.
子供をゆするときは、決して激しく揺さぶってはいけない。
You must never shake a child violently when rocking them.
To shake up, disturb, or emotionally shock someone or to unsettle a social or political situation.
そのスキャンダルは世論を大きく揺さぶった。
The scandal shook public opinion greatly.
彼女の話は会場の雰囲気を揺さぶり、多くの人が涙を流した。
Her story moved the audience deeply; many people cried.
新しい証拠が発表され、株価が揺さぶられた。
When new evidence was released, stock prices were shaken.
In baseball, to unsettle a batter by varying pitch types or timing.
ピッチャーはフォークと速球を交互に投げて打者を揺さぶった。
The pitcher alternated forkballs and fastballs to disrupt the batter.