Main Entry: ¹move

Pronunciation: \ˈmüv\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): moved; mov·ing

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French mover, moveir, from Latin movēre; probably akin to Sanskrit mīvati 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> (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 : evacuatetransitive 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

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>.