verb
budge
BUJ/bʌdʒ/
To shift slightly from a fixed position.
Two people strain until the heavy cabinet budges a few inches.
Etymology
Bullire meant “to boil” or “bubble.” The movement of bubbling developed into the broader idea of being in motion, leading to budge’s sense of moving or giving way a little.
In context
A great crash, and the Fire Demon staggered back a dozen steps, while the giant didn't budge.
More examples
- The rusted bolt would not budge.
- She refused to budge on the deadline.
- Even a generous offer failed to budge him from his decision.
Forms
budge · budges · budged · budging
Similar words
- move
- Can describe any change of position, while budge often suggests slight movement against resistance.