First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1move
verb \ˈmüv\
: to cause (something or someone) to go from one place or position to another
: to go from one place or position to another
: to cause (your body or a part of your body) to go from one position to another
movedmov·ing
Full Definition of MOVE
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> (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 <moves 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 moves 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
See move defined for English-language learners
See move defined for kids
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Origin of MOVE
Middle English, from Anglo-French mover, moveir, from Latin movēre; probably akin to Sanskrit mīvati he moves, pushes
Related to MOVE
Synonym Discussion of MOVE
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>.
2move
noun
: an act of moving your body or a part of your body
: an action
: the act of moving to a different place
Full Definition of MOVE
1
a : the act of moving a piece (as in chess) b : the turn of a player to move
2
a : a step taken especially to gain an objective : maneuver <a move to end the dispute> <retiring early was a smart move> b : the action of moving from a motionless position c : one of a pattern of dance steps d : a change of residence or location e : an agile or deceptive action especially in sports
— on the move
1
: in a state of moving about from place to place
2
: in a state of moving ahead or making progress <said that civilization is always on the move>
See move defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MOVE
1656
MOVE Defined for Kids
1move
verb \ˈmüv\
movedmov·ing
Definition of MOVE for Kids
1
: to go from one place to another <Let's move into the shade.>
2
: to change the place or position of : shift <Move your chair closer.>
3
: to set in motion <Come on, move your feet.>
4
: to cause to act : persuade <Your speech moved me to change my opinion.>
5
: to affect the feelings of <The sad story moved me to tears.>
6
: to change position <Stop moving until I finish cutting your hair.>
7
: to change residence <We moved to Illinois.>
8
: to suggest according to the rules in a meeting <I move to adjourn.>
2move
noun
Definition of MOVE for Kids
1
: the action of changing position, place, or residence <a sudden move> <We're excited about our move to a new state.>
2
: the act of moving a piece in a game
3
: the turn of a player to move <It's your move.>
4
: an action taken to accomplish something <a career move>
Medical Dictionary
move
verb \ˈmüv\
movedmov·ing
Medical Definition of MOVE
intransitive verb
1
: to go or pass from one place to another
2
of the bowels : to eject fecal matter : evacuate
transitive verb
1
: to change the place or position of
2
: to cause (the bowels) to void
Learn More About MOVE
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