shift

Change in position

The idea underlying most meanings of shift is change, and sometimes the idea of exchange, where one thing takes the place of another.

When you shift gears you go from one to the other.

Shifting blame means transferring it from one party to another.

When people shift their focus they turn it from one thing to another.

As a noun, shift indicates change and is typically modified by an adjective (seismic shift, demographic shift) or following an in or of phrase (a shift in emphasis, a shift of position).

A work shift is a set continuous number of hours that someone works: night shift.

manipulation
move
Change location or act
nudgeGentle push to prompt
budgeShift or relent
slideSmooth continuous movement
push · shove · reposition · adjust · maneuver · ease · edge · scoot · wiggle · jostle

transition
change
To make different
transformationThorough change in form
evolutionSpecies changing over generations
alterationAct of modifying
modification · conversion · adjustment · realignment · restructuring · pivot · switch · turnover · revamp · reform

work
rotation
Turning on an axis
schedulePlan of timed events
rosterList of members
nightDark hours daily
day · graveyard · swing · double · split · overtime · relief · handover · changeover · on-call

clothing
chemise
Loose sleeveless undergarment
slipMinor error or misstep
undergarmentClothing worn beneath others
nightgownSleeping garment, usually loose
sheath · camisole · smock · tunic · housedress · shirtdress · sundress · muumuu · frock · jumper

gear
transmission
Sending of information
clutchMechanism linking engine to gearbox
gearstickVehicle transmission control
leverPivoting bar for lifting
manual · automatic · neutral · drive · reverse · stick · synchro

keyboard
key
Lock-opening device
modifierWord altering another
altOutside the mainstream
capsHeadwear or upper limits
enter · shortcut · hotkey · keystroke · command · type · uppercase · character

Categories
employmentjob, jobs, career, careers, interview
groupsteam, teams, group, club, clubs
timekeepingclock, watch, watches, clocks, timer
workplacehours, cubicle, desk job, holiday party, desk
sh wordsshe, shake, shape, share, shark
adjustmentsadjustment, tweaks, adjust, fixes, tuning

Opposites
movement/change
shiftstay
Remain in position
remain · keep · freeze · hold · still
stability/constancy
shiftstabilize
Make firm or constant
steady · maintain · plateau · stagnate · stagnation
attachment/fixation
shiftfix
Repair or solution
anchor · secure · set · moor · lock

Phrases
night shiftOvernight work period
shift workerPerson working set periods
shift gearsAlter one's approach abruptly
stick shiftHand-operated gear selector
swing shiftsWork schedules between day and night
day shiftWork period during sunlight

Family
shifted, shifting, shifty, shifts, shiftless, shiftiness, gearshift, shifter, shift work

Familiarity: Top 10,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G