slow motion

¹

noun

1. the process or technique of filming or taping a motion-picture or television sequence at an accelerated rate of speed and then projecting or replaying it at normal speed so that the action appears to be slowed down.
2. the effect thus created.

slow-motion

²

[ sloh-moh-shuhn ]

adjective

1. of, pertaining to or made in slow motion:

   a slow-motion replay.

2. moving or proceeding at a strikingly slow rate:

   slow-motion progress toward a settlement.

slow motion

noun

1. films television action that is made to appear slower than normal by passing the film through the taking camera at a faster rate than normal or by replaying a video tape recording more slowly

adjective

1. films television of or relating to such action
2. moving or functioning at less than usual speed

Word History and Origins

Origin of slow motion¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Origin of slow motion²

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

"Everything happened in slow motion. We were face on for a few seconds, maybe five, before he ran off," she told police.

From BBC

He says that after his train hit a stationary one, everything felt like it was in slow motion.

From BBC

"I remember I was at this theater at the Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia, California, and the teaser trailer showed these elevator doors opening in slow motion with all of this blood pouring out. I was like, 'What the hell is this?!' And then it's says, 'The Shining!'"

From Salon

"Michael said he was going to do one of those slow motion running things when he saw me," she added.

From BBC

The Hanley moment happened almost in slow motion, but of course, it needed the preamble of a rousing Scotland comeback to set the scene for its full horror.

From BBC