English Dictionary

Definition of “motion”

Browse the English dictionary (A-Z)

motion (ˈməʊʃənPronunciation for motion) 

Definitions

noun

  1. the process of continual change in the physical position of an object; movement  ⇒ linear motion kinetic
  2. a movement or action, esp of part of the human body; a gesture
    1. the capacity for movement
    2. a manner of movement, esp walking; gait
  4. a mental impulse
  5. a formal proposal to be discussed and voted on in a debate, meeting, etc
  6. law an application made to a judge or court for an order or ruling necessary to the conduct of legal proceedings
  7. British 
    1. the evacuation of the bowels
    2. excrement
    1. part of a moving mechanism
    2. the action of such a part
  9. music the upward or downward course followed by a part or melody. Parts whose progressions are in the same direction exhibit similar motion, while two parts whose progressions are in opposite directions exhibit contrary motion See also parallel (sense 3)
  10. See go through the motions
  11. See in motion

verb

  1. (when tr, may take a clause as object or an infinitive) to signal or direct (a person) by a movement or gesture

Alternative Forms

ˈmotional adjective

Word Origin

C15: from Latin mōtiō  a moving, from movēre to move

Motion (ˈməʊʃənPronunciation for Motion) 

Definitions

noun

  1. Sir Andrew. born 1952, British poet and biographer; his collections include Sir born 1952, British poet and biographer; his collections include Pleasure Steamers  (1978) and Sir born 1952, British poet and biographer; his collections include (1978) and Public Property (2002): poet laureate from 1999

Usage examples

  • As if his indomitable spirit had set its potency in motion , the glass blazed suddenly like a white torch in his hand.
    J.R.R. Tolkien, THE LORD OF THE RINGS (2004)
  • Starting with the production of Hughes ' outlandishly budgeted motion picture Hell's Angels (he spent over a million dollars!
    Maxim (2004)
  • He supported Dr Daly's motion last weekend" in the context of the primary care strategy".
    Irish Times (2002)
  • The government faced the prospect of one of its own back benchers joining the Conservatives in supporting the motion.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • The horseman, unbalanced by his stallion's jerking motion , tried to cut down across his body with his long blade.
    Bernard Cornwell, VAGABOND (2002)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'M'

Related Terms

19 results

View more related terms

Browse nearby words

Browse dictionary