View synonyms for

pacing

[ pey-sing ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act or result of setting the rate of movement or progress, as of a story, movie, lesson, etc.:
The pacing of a video presentation must be appropriate; too slow is just as common (and as bad) as too fast.
the act of walking back and forth, as to expend nervous energy:
For several minutes after she entered, he continued his restless pacing to and fro as if unaware of her presence.
the act of walking with slow, regular steps:
Above my head, at intervals, I heard the pacing of the sentry upon the roof.
the act or process of measuring something by counting the steps taken to walk its length at a normal stride:
Though surveyors find it a quick and easy way to measure distance in the field, accurate pacing can only be accomplished by practice.

adjective

walking back and forth, as to expend nervous energy:
I tried to focus my attention on anything but the rapidly pacing detective, who was deep in thought.
walking with slow, regular steps:
Seeing the pacing security guard in front of the sliding doors, she looked around quickly for another way out.
(of a horse or other animal) moving in such a way that the feet on the same side are lifted and put down together:
A pacing horse will swing its head from side to side as opposed to up and down.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of pacing¹

First recorded in 1450–1500; pac(e) ¹( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun senses; pac(e) ¹( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Billy is often seen bobbing, pacing and swaying — all signs of brain damage caused by years of captivity, the organization said.

From

The men are pacing around the home they’ve stormed, waiting for movement.

From

While the first was well-received by critics, a common criticism was its slow pacing, with a heavy focus on characters and relationships over big story moments.

From

Can you tell me about the process of pacing his journey?

From

Gadi Moses has said he resorted to pacing his cell and solving mental maths problems to deal with this "psychological abuse".

From

pacify Pacinian corpuscle

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