i Register
In some senses, gesture is marked as obsolete. Watch for register when choosing this word.
gesture
UK /ˈd͡ʒɛs.t͡ʃə/ US /ˈd͡ʒɛs.t͡ʃɚ/
noun 4verb 4
Definitions
noun
1
A motion of the limbs or body, especially one made to emphasize speech.
The middle-finger gesture is really a nonverbal swear.
Grace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye, / In every gesture dignity and love.
2
An act or a remark that serves as a formality or as a sign of attitude.
We took flowers as a gesture of sympathy.
But, with a gesture, she put a period to this dalliance—one shouldn't palter so on an empty stomach, she might almost have said.
3
A motion made with a pointing device, or on a touchscreen, that is recognised by the system as a command.
This Web browser can be controlled with mouse gestures.
4
The manner of carrying the body; position of the body or limbs; posture.
Accubation, or lying down at meals, was a gesture used by very many nations.
verb
1
To make a gesture or gestures.
My dad told me never to gesture with my hands when I talk.
Never gesture at someone using your middle finger: it may be perceived as an insult.
2
To express (something) by a gesture or gestures.
He gestured his disgust.
3
To accompany or illustrate with gesture or action.
It is not orderly read, nor gestured as beseemeth.
4
To express or signal (to someone) by a gesture or gestures (to do something, go somewhere, etc).
[…] she sweepingly gestured him to the pillory — a chair upon the platform, facing the school. Here he suffered for the unusual term of an hour, with many jocular and cunning eyes constantly upon him; and, when he was released at noon, horrid shouts […]
“Then what can you do?” she snapped. “I was told you were the best. Was that an idle boast?” He sighed and gestured her to sit down. “My lady, I—” “Countess,” she said sharply.
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