motion

[ moh-shuh n ]
/ ˈmoʊ ʃən /

noun

verb (used with object)

to direct by a significant motion or gesture, as with the hand: to motion a person to a seat.

verb (used without object)

to make a meaningful motion, as with the hand; gesture; signal: to motion to someone to come.

Idioms for motion

    go through the motions, to do something halfheartedly, routinely, or as a formality or façade.
    in motion, in active operation; moving: The train was already in motion when he tried to board it.

Origin of motion

1350–1400; Middle English mocio(u)n < Latin mōtiōn- (stem of mōtiō), equivalent to mōt(us) (past participle of movēre to move) + -iōn- -ion

synonym study for motion

1. Motion, move, movement refer to change of position in space. Motion denotes change of position, either considered apart from, or as a characteristic of, something that moves; usually the former, in which case it is often a somewhat technical or scientific term: perpetual motion. The chief uses of move are founded upon the idea of moving a piece, in chess or a similar game, for winning the game, and hence the word denotes any change of position, condition, or circumstances for the accomplishment of some end: a shrewd move to win votes. Movement is always connected with the person or thing moving, and is usually a definite or particular motion: the movements of a dance. 3. bearing, carriage.

OTHER WORDS FROM motion

Example sentences from the Web for motion

British Dictionary definitions for motion (1 of 2)

motion
/ (ˈməʊʃən) /

noun

verb

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

Derived forms of motion

motional, adjective

Word Origin for motion

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

British Dictionary definitions for motion (2 of 2)

Motion
/ (ˈməʊʃən) /

noun

Sir Andrew. born 1952, British poet and biographer; his collections include Pleasure Steamers (1978) and Public Property (2002): poet laureate (1999–2009)

Medical definitions for motion

motion
[ mōshən ]

n.

The act or process of changing position or place.
The manner in which the body or a body part moves.

Idioms and Phrases with motion

motion

see go through the motions; set in motion; set the wheels in motion.