Gesture

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈdÍ¡Ê’est͡ʃə/

Origin

From Medieval Latin gestura ("a mode of action"), from Latin gerere ("to bear, reflexive bear oneself, behave, act"), past participle gestus.

Full definition of gesture

Noun

1. A motion of the limbs or body, especially one made to emphasize speech.The middle-finger gesture is really a nonverbal swear.This Web browser can be controlled with mouse gestures.
• MiltonGrace was in all her steps, heaven in her eye,
  In every gesture dignity and love.
2. An act or a remark made as a formality or as a sign of attitude.We took flowers as a gesture of sympathy.
• 1922, w, “Piracy”: A Romantic Chronicle of These Days Chapter 2/4/1, 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. (obsolete) The manner of carrying the body; position of the body or limbs; posture.
• Sir Thomas BrowneAccubation, or lying down at meals, was a gesture used by many nations.

Related terms

• countergesture
• gesticulate
• gesticulation
• gesticulative
• gestural
• gestureless
• gesturelike

Verb

1. (intransitive) To make a gesture or gestures.My dad said to never gesture with my hands when I talk.Never gesture at someone with a middle finger.
2. (transitive) To express something by a gesture or gestures.He gestured his disgust.
3. (transitive) To accompany or illustrate with gesture or action.
• HookerIt is not orderly read, nor gestured as beseemeth.

Synonyms

• ((intransitive) make a gesture) gesticulate

Hyponyms

• ((intransitive) make a gesture) beckon