gesticulate
UK: dʒeˈstɪkjʊleɪt | US: dʒeˈstɪkjəleɪt
vi. to make gestures, especially while speaking, to emphasize or express something
vt. to express or convey through exaggerated movements
The word "gesticulate" traces back to Latin gesticulari, derived from gestus (meaning "movement" or "gesture") and the frequentative suffix -iculare, which implies repeated or exaggerated action. The root gestus is also the source of "gesture." Over time, the term evolved to specifically describe expressive or emphatic body movements, often accompanying speech. The suffix -ate (via Latin -atus) marks it as a verb, reinforcing its action-oriented meaning.
The speaker gesticulated wildly to emphasize his point.
She gesticulated toward the door, signaling us to leave.
In some cultures, it’s common to gesticulate while telling stories.
He gesticulated so much that the audience focused more on his hands than his words.
The teacher gesticulated to quiet the noisy classroom.