Motion Definition

mōshən

motioned, motioning, motions

noun

motions

The act or process of moving; passage of a body from one place to another; movement.

Webster's New World

The act of moving the body or any of its parts.

Webster's New World

A meaningful movement of the hand, eyes, etc.; gesture.

Webster's New World

Active operation.

Set the plan in motion.

American Heritage

The ability to move.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

verb

motioned, motioning, motions

To direct or command by a meaningful gesture.

Webster's New World

To make a meaningful movement of the hand, head, etc.; gesture.

Webster's New World

To indicate by making a gesture; signal.

Motioned that he was ready.

American Heritage

To make a motion (that something should happen).

American Heritage

To signal by making a gesture.

Motioned to her to enter.

American Heritage

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

idiom

go through the motions

To do something in a mechanical manner indicative of a lack of interest or involvement.

American Heritage

go through the motions

to do something from habit or according to formalities, but without enthusiasm, personal involvement, etc.

Webster's New World

in motion

moving; traveling or in operation

Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Motion

Noun

Singular:

motion

Plural:

motions

Idioms, Phrasal Verbs Related to Motion

Origin of Motion

Middle English mocioun from Old French motion from Latin mōtiō mōtiōn- from mōtus past participle of movēre to move meuə- in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Anglo-Norman motion, mocion, Middle French motion, and their source, Latin motio (“movement, motion").

From Wiktionary