American Dictionary

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Definition motion in American English

motion noun

noun
/ˈmoʊʃ(ə)n/
1

the process or action of moving

Example

He studied the motion of the planets.

Example

Special instruments record the speed and motion of the atoms.

Example

Muybridge developed high-speed photography of people and animals in motion.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

a movement that someone or something makes

Example

Rub the horse's coat in a circular motion.

Example

She made a little fluttering motion with her hands.

Synonyms and related words
2

a formal proposal that people discuss and then vote on in a meeting or debate. Someone proposes a motion (=suggests it), and someone else must second it (=say formally that they support it) before it is accepted for discussion

Example

The Committee will debate the motion today.

Synonyms and related words
2.1

a formal suggestion made by a lawyer to a judge in a court of law. A lawyer can file a motion (=suggest it), but the judge may deny it (=refuse to accept it)

Example

His lawyer filed a motion for dismissal.

Example

It was within the Judge's discretion to deny the counsel's motion.

Synonyms and related words
Definition motion in American English