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to oscillate
01
to move back and forth repeatedly between two points or positions
Intransitive
Example
The stock market is currently oscillating between gains and losses.
The windshield wipers on the car oscillated, clearing the raindrops with each motion.
The pendulum swung back and forth, oscillating steadily over time.
02
to move back and forth in a regular rhythm between two or more states, positions, or opinions
Intransitive
Example
Political views may oscillate from liberal to conservative as people experience different life stages.
During a midlife crisis, Tom 's worldview oscillated between optimism and uncertainty as he reconsidered life goals and choices made decades earlier.
After hearing both arguments, he continues to oscillate without making a final choice.
03
(of an electric current) to vary in strength or direction in a consistent, repetitive cycle
Intransitive
Example
The stock market is currently oscillating between gains and losses.
The windshield wipers on the car oscillated, clearing the raindrops with each motion.
The pendulum swung back and forth, oscillating steadily over time.
The metronome on the piano oscillated, providing a steady beat for the musician to follow.
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