noun / verb
rock
To move repeatedly back and forth.
The small boat rocks gently as waves pass beneath it.
Etymology
The older verb means to sway or rock. It retains repeated movement in opposite directions, distinct from rock meaning stone.
More examples
- She soothes the baby by rocking him in her arms.
- I rock back and forth while waiting for the bus.
- The empty chair rocked in the breeze.
Forms
rock · rocks · rocked · rocking
rocker noun — A chair that moves back and forth.