Swaying & Shaking

A smooth, slow, fluid side-to-side motion caused by wind, music, or grace.

Common with: trees, plants, dancers, bodies, curtains and buildings in an earthquake.

The trees were swaying in the wind.

She swayed gently to the music.

The curtains were swaying in the breeze.

Move back and forth from a fixed point.

Common with: swings, arms, doors, objects hanging from something, people.

The kids were swinging at the playground.

He swung his arms as he walked.

The door swung open.

Her ponytail swung from side to side.

Move repeatedly from one side to another, or backward and forward.

Common with: chairs, boats, babies, people, buildings.

She rocked the baby to sleep.

The boat was rocking on the waves.

He sat in the chair and rocked back and forth.

Move unsteadily from side to side because something isn't stable or balanced.

The table wobbles when I touch it.

I almost fell because my chair was wobbling.

The toddler took a few wobbly steps.

Rapid, repeated side-to-side or up-and-down movement, especially of a tail or finger.

The puppy's tail started wagging when it saw me.

She wagged her finger at him.

Make small, quick movements from side to side, often because you're excited, uncomfortable, playful, or trying to get into/out of something.

She wiggled her toes in the sand.

The tooth is loose you can wiggle it with your tongue.

Rebounding off a surface after hitting it, or moving up and down repeatedly.

He tried to bounce the basketball, but it landed in a puddle instead.

The children love to bounce on their parents' mattress early in the morning.

Moving back and forth or up and down with short, quick, forceful vibrations.

Be sure to shake the juice bottle thoroughly before pouring a glass.

It is customary to shake hands when introducing yourself in a business meeting.

A sharp, sudden and abrupt pull or movement (e.g., braking a car suddenly, a sudden muscle spasm).

She felt her arm jerk back automatically when she accidentally touched the hot pan.

The old elevator gave a rough jerk before finally coming to a stop on the third floor.

Shaking slightly and involuntarily, usually caused by strong emotions like fear, anxiety, or excitement.

His hands were trembling with fear.

Involuntary shaking or trembling of the body specifically caused by cold temperatures or illness.

A sudden cold draft entered the room, making everyone shiver for a moment.

to move your body in a restless or uncomfortable way, often because you are nervous, itchy, have to pee, or just can't stay still.

I was squirming in my chair because my back was starting to hurt.

The baby kept squirming around while I was trying to change her diaper.