moves;
moved;
moving
moves;
moved;
moving
Britannica Dictionary definition of MOVE
1
a
[+ object]
:
to cause (something or someone) to go from one place or position to another
-
He moved the chair closer to the table.
-
It may be necessary to move the patient to intensive care.
-
The breeze moved the branches of the trees.
-
The knife had sunk deeply into the wood and couldn't be moved. [=budged]
b
[no object]
:
to go from one place or position to another
2
a
:
to cause (your body or a part of your body) to go from one position to another
[+ object]
[no object]
-
The dancers moved gracefully.
-
Nobody moved.
-
She was so frightened that she could hardly move.
-
I moved over so that she could sit next to me.
b
[no object]
:
to go or walk from one place to another
-
We moved into the shade.
-
The police were moving through the crowd telling people to move toward the exit.
-
People were moving (about/around) freely.
-
We could hear someone moving around upstairs.
-
move along
-
They moved closer to each other and spoke in whispers.
3
[+ object]
a
:
to cause (something) to go to a specified place or to proceed in a specified way
b
:
to cause (something) to happen at a different time
4
always followed by an adverb or preposition
:
to go to a different and usually higher position
[no object]
-
The team has moved into second place.
-
She has been steadily moving up the corporate ladder.
-
Congratulations on your promotion. It's nice to see how you're moving up in the world.
[+ object]
5
a
:
to go to a different place to live
[no object]
-
We've had to move twice in the past year.
-
He didn't like small towns and decided to move to the city.
-
We're planning to move into a new apartment.
-
He moved (away) with his family to California.
[+ object]
b
:
to go to a different place to work or do business
[no object]
[+ object]
—
see also moving 3
6
[+ object]
a
:
to affect the feelings of (someone)
:
to cause (someone) to feel an emotion and especially sadness or sympathy
-
The sad story of his childhood moved us deeply.
-
I was greatly moved by his story/kindness.
-
He's not easily moved to anger. [=he does not become angry easily]
-
His story moved us to tears. [=it affected us so strongly that we cried]
—
see also moving 2
b
:
to cause (someone) to act or think in a specified way
—
followed by to + verb
-
The report moved [=persuaded] me to change my mind.
-
His arguments moved them to reconsider the plan.
-
I felt moved [=compelled] to speak.
c
:
to cause (someone) to feel or think in a different way
7
[no object]
:
to take action
:
act
-
We need to move quickly to close this deal.
-
He was waiting for the right time to move against his enemies.
-
She hasn't yet moved on their recommendations.
-
We must move [=proceed] very carefully to avoid offending them.
8
a
:
to formally make a suggestion or proposal at a meeting
[no object]
—
+ for
[+ object]
b
[no object]
law
:
to make a formal request to a court of law or judge for something to be done or happen
—
+ for
9
always followed by an adverb or preposition,
[no object]
:
to make progress
10
informal
:
sell
[+ object]
[no object]
11
[no object]
informal
:
to go fast
12
[no object]
:
to spend time with a particular group of people or at a particular level of society
13
[no object]
informal
:
to leave a place
14
:
to cause a piece in a game (such as chess or checkers) to go from one place to another
[+ object]
[no object]
as/when the spirit moves you
—
see 1spirit
get moving
informal
:
to start moving or going quickly
move ahead/along
2
:
to go on to something else
move heaven and earth
:
to work very hard to do something
move in
[phrasal verb]
1
:
to start living in a house, apartment, etc.
2
move in on (someone or something)
:
to move closer or nearer to (someone or something that you are trying to reach, get, etc.)
-
The police moved in on [=closed in on] the wanted criminal.
-
The police moved in on the criminal's hideout.
-
The lion was moving in on its prey.
—
often used figuratively
move it
US, informal
:
to start moving or going quickly
move on
[phrasal verb]
:
to go on to a different place, subject, activity, etc.
-
Let's put that issue aside and move on.
-
We should move on [=move ahead] to the next item on the list.
-
After 10 years working for one company, she felt it was time to move on to a new job.
move out
[phrasal verb]
:
to leave your house, apartment, etc., and go to live somewhere else
-
He was 20 when he moved out of his parents' house.
-
Her lease ends next month, so she'll have to move out (of her apartment) soon.
2
move
/ˈmuːv/
noun
plural
moves
plural
moves
Britannica Dictionary definition of MOVE
[count]
1
:
an act of moving your body or a part of your body
:
movement
-
fancy dance moves
-
He made a sudden move that scared away the squirrel.
-
an athlete who has some good moves
-
No one made a move toward the exits. [=no one moved toward the exits]
-
The policeman warned him not to make any false moves.
-
He was afraid to make a move.
2
:
an action
-
The police are watching his every move. = The police are watching every move he makes. [=the police are watching everything he does]
-
No one is sure what his next move will be.
-
He was waiting for her to make the first move. [=to act first]
3
:
the act of moving to a different place
4
:
something done to achieve a desired result or goal
-
Starting her own business was a risky/bold move.
-
In a move to attract new customers, the company has decided to devote more money to advertising.
-
a smart/wise move
-
a good career move [=something done to help a person's career]
5
:
an act of moving a piece in a game (such as chess or checkers)
get a move on
informal
:
to start moving or going quickly
make a move
British, informal
on the move
1
:
moving or going from place to place
put the moves on
US, informal
:
to do or say things in an effort to start a sexual relationship with someone