Motion

/ˈməʊ.ʃən/ · noun

Meaning

(physics) A change whereby something goes from one place to another; a state of progression from one place to another; a change of position with respect to time..

Definitions by Sense

1. (physics) A change whereby something goes from one place to another; a state of progression from one place to another; a change of position with respect to time.
2. (countable) A parliamentary action to propose something. A similar procedure in any official or business meeting.
3. (obsolete) An entertainment or show, especially a puppet show.
4. (philosophy) from κίνησις (kinesis); any change. Traditionally of four types: generation and corruption, alteration, augmentation and diminution, and change of place.
5. Movement of the mind, desires, or passions; mental act, or impulse to any action; internal activity.
6. (law) A formal request, oral or written, made to a judge or court of law to obtain an official court ruling or order for a legal action to be taken by, or on behalf of, the movant.
7. (euphemistic) A movement of the bowels; the product of such movement.
8. (music) Change of pitch in successive sounds, whether in the same part or in groups of parts. (Conjunct motion is that by single degrees of the scale. Contrary motion is when parts move in opposite directions. Disjunct motion is motion by skips. Oblique motion is when one part is stationary while another moves. Similar or direct motion is when parts move in the same direction.)

Example Sentences

This is the great wheel to which the clock owes its motion.

Secondly, When a body is once in motion it will continue to move forever, unless something stops it. When a ball is struck on the surface of the earth, the friction of the earth and the resistance of the air soon stop its motion.

Several parties of hop-pickers joined the train at the intermediate stations, and the guard performed the acrobatic feat of walking along the footboards of the coaches to examine tickets, while the train was in motion.

The motion to amend is now open for discussion.

Yes, I agree, and thank you for your motion.

when God gave him reason, he gave him freedom to choose, for reason is but choosing; he had bin else a meer artificiall Adam, such an Adam as he is in the motions.

I say, it is no uneven jot, to pass from the more faint and obscure examples of Spermatical life to the more considerable effects of general Motion in Minerals, Metalls, and sundry Meteors, whose easie and rude shapes may have no need of any Principle of Life, or Spermatical form distinct from the Rest or Motion of the particles of the Matter.

Let a good man obey every good motion rising in his heart, knowing that every such motion proceeds from God.

Synonyms for motion

Antonyms for motion

Related Words

Word Forms

• motions
• motioning
• motioned

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

Practice and Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions