—v.
1 intr. & tr. change one's position or posture, or cause to do this.
2 tr. & intr. put or keep in motion; rouse, stir.
3 a intr. make a move in a board-game. b tr. change the position of (a piece) in a board-game.
4 intr. (often foll. by about, away, etc.) go or pass from place to place.
5 intr. take action, esp. promptly (moved to reduce unemployment).
6 intr. make progress (the project is moving fast).
7 intr. a change one's place of residence. b (of a business etc.) change to new premises (also tr.: move house; move offices).
8 intr. (foll. by in) live or be socially active in (a specified place or group etc.) (moves in the best circles).
9 tr. affect (a person) with (usu. tender or sympathetic) emotion.
10 tr. a (foll. by in) stimulate (laughter, anger, etc., in a person). b (foll. by to) provoke (a person to laughter etc.).
11 tr. (foll. by to, or to + infin.) prompt or incline (a person to a feeling or action).
12 a tr. cause (the bowels) to be evacuated. b intr. (of the bowels) be evacuated.
13 tr. (often foll. by that + clause) propose in a meeting, deliberative assembly, etc.
14 intr. (foll. by for) make a formal request or application.
15 intr. (of merchandise) be sold.
—n.
1 the act or an instance of moving.
2 a change of house, business premises, etc.
3 a step taken to secure some action or effect; an initiative.
4 a the changing of the position of a piece in a board-game. b a player's turn to do this.
Phrases and idioms:
get a move on colloq.
1 hurry up.
2 make a start. make a move take action. move along (or on) change to a new position, esp. to avoid crowding, getting in the way, etc. move heaven and earth see HEAVEN.
move in
1 take possession of a new house.
2 get into a position of influence, interference, etc.
3 get into a position of readiness or proximity (for an offensive action etc.). move mountains see MOUNTAIN.
move out
1 leave one's home; change one's place of residence.
2 leave a position, job, etc. move over (or up) adjust one's position to make room for another. on the move 1 progressing.
2 moving about.
Etymology: ME f. AF mover, OF moveir f. L movere mot-
Useful english dictionary. 2012.