Verbs for Changes in Body Posture

to be upright on one's feet

He likes to stand on the balcony to feel the breeze.

to rise to a standing position from a seated or lying position

She stood up when the speaker entered the room.

to get on our feet and stand up

After a long flight, it felt good to get up and stretch my legs.

to bend the head or move the upper half of the body forward to show respect or as a way of greeting

As the queen entered the room, the courtiers bowed deeply.

to go to a position in which the knees are bent and the back of thighs are touching or very close to one's heels

During the workout, the fitness instructor demonstrated how to squat properly.

to crouch or squat down slightly

The cat scooched down, ready to pounce on the unsuspecting prey.

to squat down low, or sit on one's haunches in a relaxed or stable position

The children hunkered down in the grass to observe the tiny insects crawling beneath them.

to sit on one's calves and move the chest close to one's knees

Crouch beside me so we can plan our next move.

to support the weight of the body on a knee or both knees

In prayer, the congregation was instructed to kneel and seek solace in their faith.

to bend the upper side of one's body forward

She had to stoop to pick up the fallen papers from the floor.

a bird with short legs and a wide beak that naturally lives near or on water or is kept by humans for its eggs, meat, or feathers

to bend from a straight position typically to rest the body against something for support

Feeling tired after the hike, she decided to lean against the tree to catch her breath.

to bend the upper side of the body forward and make a rounded back

As the storm approached, people hunched against the wind and rain, trying to shield themselves.

to sit, lean or fall heavily or suddenly, typically due to exhaustion, weakness, or lack of energy.

After the long hike, he slumped onto the rock, catching his breath and resting his tired legs.

to put our bottom on something like a chair or the ground while keeping our back straight

After a long hike, we found a nice spot to sit and have a picnic.

to fall or collapse suddenly and heavily, either intentionally or unintentionally

The exhausted runner flopped onto the ground after crossing the finish line.

to fall or sit down heavily, often with a soft or muffled sound

Feeling utterly exhausted, she flumped onto the sofa, ready for a break.

to sit with one leg on either side of an object

Right now, the cowboy is straddling the horse as he prepares for the rodeo event.

to sit or stand with one leg on either side of

The cowboy bestrode his horse confidently as they rode across the vast prairie.

to position one's body like a ball with one's arms and legs placed close to one's body while sitting

After a long day at work, she likes to curl up on the sofa with a good book.

to share or occupy the same space or accommodation with another person, often due to limited resources

During the camping trip, the shortage of tents forced the friends to double up in sleeping bags.

to intentionally say or write something that is not true

She lies about her age to seem older.

to rest or lean one's body in a comfortable position

After a long day, he reclined his tired body on the plush sofa.

to spread out one's limbs in a relaxed manner while sitting, falling, etc.

Exhausted after the long hike, he decided to sprawl on the grass and enjoy the view.