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Glite Dictionary
headshake

headshake

1 3.7
A quick movement of the head from side to side to show you disagree or do not believe something
  • noun
  • /ˈhɛdˌʃeɪk/
: negación
  • The child's headshake showed he was not ready to leave yet.

Examples

  • She expressed her disbelief with a quick headshake.

  • I cast a quick look at Jamie, who responded with a trace of a headshake.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • His own headshake was rueful.

    Fiction book (2001)

  • A sardonic headshake from Ross.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • Tamara remained silent, a headshake saying neither yes nor no.

    Fiction book (1996)

  • Think of the silent headshakes.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • "All Jury could muster for an answer was the briefest of headshakes.

    Fiction book (1998)

  • Four sets of unfathomed silences and significant headshakes.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • "Another sorrowful headshake.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • He replied with a slight headshake to indicate he didn't agree.

Synonyms

headshaking
vsheadshake
1 4.3

A movement of the head from side to side to show refusal, doubt, or confusion

refers to a single movement showing denial, disbelief, or bemusement

Antonyms

to nod
521 1.0

Move your head up and down to show agreement or understanding

acceptance
125 2.7

Being approved or welcomed by other people

Surface Forms

headshake singular
headshakes plural

Morphology

headshake = head + shake (transparent) = head + shake

A literal compound meaning 'a shake of the head'; the components directly signal the intended action.

Etymology

Headshake comes from the two simple words head and shake, meaning to move the head from side to side. So a headshake is the small head movement that shows 'no', 'disbelief', or 'confusion'.