n.
Pronunciation: ' müv
Function: verb
Inflected Form: moved ; mov · ing
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French mover, moveir, from Latin mov ē re; probably akin to Sanskrit m ī vati he moves, pushes
Date: 13th century
intransitive verb
1 a (1) : to go or pass to another place or in a certain direction with a continuous motion < moved into the shade> (2) : to proceed toward a certain state or condition < moving up the executive ladder> < moved into second place> (3) : to become transferred during play <checkers move along diagonally adjacent squares> (4) : to keep pace < moving with the times> b : to start away from some point or place : DEPART c : to change one's residence or location
2 : to carry on one's life or activities in a specified environment < move s in the best circles>
3 : to change position or posture : STIR <ordered him not to move >
4 : to take action : ACT
5 a : to begin operating or functioning or working in a usual way b : to show marked activity <after a lull things really began to move > c : to move a piece (as in chess or checkers) during one's turn
6 : to make a formal request, application, or appeal
7 : to change hands by being sold or rented <goods that moved slowly>
8 of the bowels : EVACUATE
transitive verb
1 a (1) : to change the place or position of (2) : to dislodge or displace from a fixed position : BUDGE b : to transfer (as a piece in chess) from one position to another
2 a (1) : to cause to go or pass from one place to another with a continuous motion < move the flag slowly up and down> (2) : to cause to advance b : to cause to operate or function : ACTUATE <this button move s the whole machine> c : to put into activity or rouse up from inactivity
3 : to cause to change position or posture
4 : to prompt or rouse to the doing of something : PERSUADE <the report moved us to take action>
5 a : to stir the emotions, feelings, or passions of <deeply moved by such kindness> b : to affect in such a way as to lead to an indicated show of emotion <the story moved her to tears>
6 a obsolete : BEG b : to make a formal application to
7 : to propose formally in a deliberative assembly < moved the adjournment motion>
8 : to cause (the bowels) to void
9 : to cause to change hands through sale or rent
– move house
British : to change one's residence
synonyms MOVE , ACTUATE , DRIVE , IMPEL mean to set or keep in motion. MOVE is very general and implies no more than the fact of changing position < moved the furniture>. ACTUATE stresses transmission of power so as to work or set in motion <turbines actuated by waterpower>. DRIVE implies imparting forward and continuous motion and often stresses the effect rather than the impetus <a ship driven aground by hurricane winds>. IMPEL is usually figurative and suggests a great motivating impetus <a candidate impelled by ambition>.