move

What is move? A clear definition with examples, FAQ and related legal terms.

To change place or posture; to go, in any manner, from one place or position to another.

move — Definition and meaning

(Verb) To change place or posture; to go, in any manner, from one place or position to another.
• To act; to take action; to begin to act
• To change residence, for example from one house, town, or state, to another; to go and live at another place; similarly to change the location of another establishment such as a business. See also move out and move in.
• To transport (an item) as part of changing residences.
• To cause to change place or posture in any manner; to set in motion; to carry, convey, draw, or push from one place to another
• To transfer (a piece) from one space or position on the board to another.
• To excite to action by the presentation of motives; to rouse by representation, persuasion, or appeal; to influence.
• To arouse the feelings or passions of; especially, to excite to tenderness or compassion, to excite (for example, an emotion).
• To propose; to recommend; specifically, to propose formally for consideration and determination, in a deliberative assembly; to submit
• To mention; to raise (a question); to suggest (a course of action); to lodge (a complaint).
• To incite, urge (someone to do something); to solicit (someone for or of an issue); to make a proposal to.
• To apply to, as for aid.
• To request an action from the court.
• To bow or salute upon meeting.
• To sell or market (especially physical inventory or illicit drugs).
• To transfer the value of one object in memory to another efficiently (i.e., without copying it in entirety).

(Noun) The act of moving; a movement.
• An act for the attainment of an object; a step in the execution of a plan or purpose.
• A formalized or practiced action used in athletics, dance, physical exercise, self-defense, hand-to-hand combat, etc.
• The event of changing one's residence.
• A change in strategy.
• A transfer, a change from one employer to another.
• The act of moving a token on a gameboard from one position to another according to the rules of the game.
• A round, in which each player has a turn.
• Within the Minimalist Program, a fundamental operation of syntactic construction

The importance of move

move appears in U.S. legal practice across multiple practice areas. Knowing what it means — and when it applies — can determine the outcome of motions, filings, and negotiations. For non-lawyers, the value of looking up a precise definition is that legal terms often carry meanings that differ from everyday usage; relying on the common meaning can lead to costly missteps.

How move is applied

In practice, move is invoked when parties, judges, or attorneys need to identify the legal status of an issue, the rights of those involved, or the procedural step required next. The definition shown above is sourced from Wiktionary , which is widely cited in U.S. legal practice. Because U.S. law is jurisdictionally layered — federal, state, and sometimes local — the precise application of the term can vary by court, so check the controlling authority for your specific case.

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Source: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0

This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and definitions can vary by jurisdiction. Consult a licensed attorney for advice on your specific situation.

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