Bodily Actions

to strike someone repeatedly, usually causing physical harm or injury

The bully threatened to beat the younger student if he didn't hand over his lunch money.

to strike the palms of one's hands together forcefully, usually to show appreciation or to attract attention

The audience clapped enthusiastically after the concert.

to pull something with effort along a surface

She drags the suitcase across the airport floor.

to take hold of an object or surface rapidly or abruptly

He grabbed the railing tightly as he stumbled on the stairs, preventing himself from falling.

to beat someone or something with a closed fist quickly and forcefully

In a fit of anger, he decided to punch the wall, leaving a hole.

to move from side to side or up and down

The cat climbed the tree, causing the branches to shake with every agile movement.

to make something straight become curved or folded

She carefully bent the wire into a circle to make a decorative wreath.

to bend the head or move the upper half of the body forward to show respect or as a way of greeting

As the queen entered the room, the courtiers bowed deeply.

to bend from a straight position typically to rest the body against something for support

Feeling tired after the hike, she decided to lean against the tree to catch her breath.

to adopt a drooping, slumped, or lazy posture

He tended to slouch in his chair during long meetings, which often gave the impression of disinterest.

to support the weight of the body on a knee or both knees

In prayer, the congregation was instructed to kneel and seek solace in their faith.

to jump very high or over a long distance

The athlete leaped over the high bar with impressive precision, setting a new record.

to walk slowly and carefully on one's toes

Trying not to wake the baby, she tiptoed into the nursery.

to move slowly with the body near the ground or on the hands and knees

The baby began to crawl across the living room floor.

to put one's body in a flat position in order to sleep or rest

I'm feeling tired, so I'm going to lie down for a while.

to open and close the eyes quickly and for a brief moment

The bright light made her blink.

to look at someone or something without blinking or moving the eyes

She gazed out of the window, lost in thought as the rain fell softly outside.

the act of looking with the eyes partly closed, often to see more clearly

to look at someone or something without moving the eyes or blinking, usually for a while, and often without showing any expression

I often stare at the night sky, contemplating the stars.

to quickly open and close one eye as a sign of affection or to indicate something is a secret or a joke

During the meeting, the colleague across the room winked to share a confidential message.

to laugh quietly and with closed lips

The old man chuckled at the witty remark made by his friend.

to laugh in a light, silly, or often uncontrollable way as a result of nervousness or embarrassment

The schoolgirls couldn't help but giggle when their teacher told a funny story.

to give a half-smile, often displaying satisfaction, superiority, or amusement

He couldn't hide his satisfaction and smirked at the success of his plan.

the third month of the year, after February and before April

March is a month when the weather starts to get warmer.

to move one's head up and down as a sign of agreement, understanding, or greeting

He nodded to greet his neighbor as he walked by.

a person's speed when walking, moving, or running

The runner maintained a steady pace throughout the marathon, ensuring they did not tire out too quickly.

a journey that you take for fun or a particular reason, generally for a short amount of time

The family planned a trip to the beach for their summer vacation.

to make one's fingers V-shaped and put them behind a person's head as a way of joking, particularly when taking a photograph

I can't believe you gave me bunny ears in that group photo!

to sit on one's calves and move the chest close to one's knees

Crouch beside me so we can plan our next move.

to become conscious again after sleeping

After a refreshing nap, it takes a moment to fully wake and regain awareness.