bewegen

Bewegen is a Dutch verb that means to move, to cause something to move, or to move oneself. The word combines the prefix be- with a root related to movement, and it is used in both physical and figurative senses across everyday language, science, and public life.

As a transitive verb, bewegen takes a direct object: De robotarm beweegt de doos naar links. It can also occur intransitively to express personal motion: Het kind beweegt zich voortdurend. The expression iemand tot actie bewegen means to prompt someone to take action, for example: De campagne probeert mensen tot actie te bewegen.

Beweging, the corresponding noun, has several senses. In physics and biology it refers to motion or locomotion. In everyday language it can mean physical activity or exercise, as in regelmatige beweging is goed voor de gezondheid. In social or political contexts, beweging describes a collective effort or campaign aimed at change, such as een sociale beweging.

Related terms and fields include bewegingswetenschappen (the study of movement, kinesiology), bewegingsapparaat (the musculoskeletal system), and bewegingsvrijheid (range of motion). The concept of movement also appears in medical, sports, and engineering discussions, where it is analyzed in terms of velocity, acceleration, and coordination.

Etymologically, be- is a prefix that often marks causation or intensification, and bewegen centers on the idea of causing or undergoing movement.

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