rock

Compared meaning: to move back and forth (verb).

比较义项：摇动，摇晃（动词）。

• rock 本词

  Suggests a rhythmic, repeated back-and-forth motion, often steady and soothing, typical of boats, cradles or chairs; can range from gentle to violent.

  强调有规律的、反复的前后摇摆，通常平稳且带有安抚感，常用于船、摇篮或椅子，摇晃程度可以从轻柔到剧烈不等。

  She gently rocked the cradle until the baby fell asleep.

  她轻轻地摇晃摇篮，直到婴儿睡着。

• shake

  Describes a quick, short and often irregular movement up and down or side to side, frequently caused by cold, fear, anger or shock, with a trembling quality.

  强调快速、短促且不规则的上下或左右晃动，常由寒冷、恐惧、愤怒或震惊引起，带有颤抖的感觉。

  His hands began to shake uncontrollably when he heard the shocking news.

  听到那个令人震惊的消息时，他的双手开始不受控制地颤抖。

• sway

  Describes a slow, smooth, repeated movement from side to side, often graceful, typical of tall or flexible things like trees; rarely violent.

  强调缓慢、平顺、反复的左右摆动，通常显得优雅，常用于高大或柔韧的物体，如树木，很少带有剧烈的意味。

  The tall palm trees swayed slowly in the warm evening breeze.

  高大的棕榈树在温暖的夜风中缓缓摇曳。

All three mean to move back and forth, but differently. Rock suggests a steady, rhythmic motion, like a boat. Shake suggests a quick, short, irregular trembling, from cold, fear, or anger. Sway suggests a slow, smooth motion from side to side, like a tree.

这三个词都表示“来回或左右摆动”，但语气和速度不同：rock 强调有规律的摇摆（如摇椅、摇篮、船只），shake 强调急促、常常不由自主的颤抖，sway 强调缓慢、优雅的摆动。这里不比较 rock 作名词表示“石头”、shake 表示“混合”或“使震惊”、sway 表示“影响，支配”的用法。