Definitions for: Oscillate

[v] move or swing from side to side regularly; "the needle on the meter was oscillating"
[v] be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action; "He oscillates between accepting the new position and retirement"

Webster (1913) Definition: Os"cil*late, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Oscillated; p.
pr. & vb. n. Oscillating.] [L. oscillare to swing, fr.
oscillum a swing, a little mask or puppet made to be hung
from trees and swing in the wind, prob. orig., a little
mouth, a dim. from os mouth. See Oral, and cf. Osculate.]
1. To move backward and forward; to vibrate like a pendulum;
to swing; to sway.

2. To vary or fluctuate between fixed limits; to act or move
in a fickle or fluctuating manner; to change repeatedly,
back and forth.

The amount of superior families oscillates rather
than changes, that is, it fluctuates within fixed
limits. --Dc Quincey.

Synonyms: hover, vacillate, vibrate, vibrate

See Also: hesitate, hunt, librate, shillyshally, sway, swing, waffle, waver

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat

Related Resources:
animlas that start with q
animals beginning with t
animals starting with x