oscillate

intransitive-verb
UK: /ˈɒs.ɪ.leɪt/
US: /ˈɑː.sə.leɪt/

  1. To move repeatedly from one position to another.

    1. The fan continues to oscillate for a few minutes after it's turned off.
    2. The needle on the gauge will oscillate wildly if there is a problem with the pressure.

  2. To change your mind or opinions frequently.

    1. My feelings about the movie oscillate between love and hate.
    2. Her moods seemed to oscillate between happiness and deep depression, which worried her family.

  3. To vary repeatedly in magnitude or position around a central point.

    1. The value of the company's stock may oscillate during periods of uncertainty.
    2. The frequency of the sound waves will oscillate depending on the source's movement and atmospheric condition.

Synonyms

swing vacillate alternate waver seesaw fluctuate vibrate
oscillate transitive-verb

  1. To cause something to move repeatedly from one position to another.

    1. The motor can oscillate the platform, providing a gentle vibration.
    2. The device uses magnets to oscillate a small blade, creating a cutting motion.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "oscillate" in English means: To move repeatedly from one position to another., To change your mind or opinions frequently., To vary repeatedly in magnitude or position around a central point..

The phonetic transcription of "oscillate" is /ˈɒs.ɪ.leɪt/ in British English and /ˈɑː.sə.leɪt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "oscillate": swing, vacillate, alternate, waver, seesaw, fluctuate, vibrate.

Example usage of "oscillate": "The fan continues to oscillate for a few minutes after it's turned off.". More examples on the page.