motion

mo·tion / ˈmōshən/ • n. 1. the action or process of moving or being moved: the laws of planetary motion a cushioned shoe that doesn't restrict motion. ∎  a gesture: she made a motion with her free hand. ∎  a piece of moving mechanism. 2. a formal proposal put to a legislature or committee: the head of our commission made a motion that we rewrite the constitution. ∎  Law an application for a rule or order of court. 3. Mus. the movement of a melodic line between successive pitches: they rely heavily on repeated chord tones and much less often on conjunct melodic motion. • v. [tr.] direct or command (someone) with a movement of the hand or head: he motioned Dennis to a plush chair | [tr.] he motioned the young officer to sit down | [intr.] he motioned for a time out. PHRASES: go through the motions do something perfunctorily, without any enthusiasm or commitment. ∎  simulate an action: a child goes through the motions of washing up. in motion moving: flowing blonde hair that was constantly in motion. set something in motion start something moving or working. ∎  start or trigger a process or series of events: plunging oil prices set in motion an economic collapse. DERIVATIVES: mo·tion·al / -shənl/ adj. mo·tion·less adj. mo·tion·less·ly adv.