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v. moved, mov·ing, moves v.intr. 1. a. To change in position from one point to another: moved away from the window. b. To follow a specified course: Earth moves around the sun. c. To change posture or position; stir: too scared to move. d. To start off; depart: After waiting for an hour, we decided it was time to move. e. Games To change position on a board in a board game. f. To go from one residence or location to another; relocate: We moved to a new apartment. g. Linguistics To be copied or moved by means of a movement transformation to a new position in syntactic structure. 2. a. To progress in sequence; go forward: a novel that moves slowly. b. To progress toward a particular state or condition: moving up in the company; move on to a new subject. 3. To be disposed of by sale: Woolens move slowly in the summer. 4. To be put in motion or to turn according to a prescribed motion. Used of machinery. 5. a. To exhibit great activity or energy: Things were really moving backstage. b. To initiate an action; act: It's time to make a decision and move. c. To be active in a particular environment: moves in diplomatic circles. 6. To stir the emotions: words that have the power to move. 7. To make a formal motion in parliamentary procedure: move for an adjournment. 8. To evacuate. Used of the bowels. v.tr. 1. a. To change the place or position of: moved the chair into the corner; could not move his arm. b. To cause to go from one place to another: moved the crowd away. c. Games To change (a piece) from one position to another in a board game: moved a pawn. 2. a. To change the course of: moved the discussion to other matters. b. To cause to progress or advance: moved the research into new thinking. 3. a. To dislodge from a fixed point of view, as by persuasion: "Speak to him, ladies, see if you can move him" (Shakespeare). b. To prompt to action; rouse: Anger moved her to speak out. c. To arouse the emotions of; affect or stir. 4. a. To cause to function: This lever moves the elevator. b. To cause to progress or advance: moved the project beyond conventional thinking. 5. a. To propose or request in formal parliamentary procedure: moved that a vote be taken. b. To make formal application to (a court, for example). 6. To dispose of by sale: moved the new merchandise quickly. 7. To cause (the bowels) to evacuate. n. Phrasal Verbs: 1. a. The act or an instance of moving. b. A particular manner of moving: made some intricate moves on the dance floor. 2. A change of residence or location. 3. Games a. An act of transferring a piece from one position to another in board games. b. The prescribed manner in which a piece may be played. c. A participant's turn to make a play. 4. An action taken to achieve an objective; a maneuver: a move to halt the arms race. move in To begin to occupy a residence or place of business. move on Idioms: To shift one's attention or emotions to other matters, often as part of recovering from a setback or difficulty: After he was laid off, he moved on and started looking for another job. get a move on Informal To get started; get going. move in on 1. To make intrusive advances toward; intrude on. 2. To attempt to seize control of: moving in on their territory. on the move 1. Busily moving about; active: A nurse is on the move all day. 2. Going from one place to another: troops on the move. 3. Making progress; advancing: a technology that is clearly on the move. [Middle English moven, from Old French movoir, from Latin movēre; see meuə- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] Synonyms: move, affect1, touch These verbs mean to stir the emotions of a person or group. Move suggests a strong or deep emotional impact that is often expressed openly: a performer who moved the audience to laughter and tears; scenes of famine that moved us to pity. Affect can suggest a quieter but more persistent emotional state, as of grief, awe, or sorrow: "Roosevelt was deeply affected by his loss. One by one, the President's closest companions had fallen away" (Geoffrey C. Ward). Touch implies a personal and often inspirational experience, as of sympathy, admiration, or tenderness: "Mr. Micawber pressed my hand, and groaned, and afterwards shed tears. I was greatly touched" (Charles Dickens). |
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