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
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
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

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