own motion

adjective

Relating to an investigation by an ombudsman or similar body which was initiated by the body itself, rather than being undertaken in response to a complaint or referral.

“Extensive media coverage of the issue led the ombudsman to commence an own motion investigation.”

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Meanings

adjectiveown motion (not comparable)

alternative own-motion

  1. Australiaattributivenot comparableRelating to an investigation by an ombudsman or similar body which was initiated by the body itself, rather than being undertaken in response to a complaint or referral.

    Extensive media coverage of the issue led the ombudsman to commence an own motion investigation.

Origin

Anglicisation of the Latinate legal phrase suo motu (“of one's own motion”).

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

own motion. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/own%20motion

MLA

“own motion.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/own%20motion. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “own motion,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/own%20motion.

Source: own motion on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.