1.gesture用作名词的意思是“手势,示意动作”,转化为动词意思是“做手势”,也可以表示以手势“示意”。
2.gesture可用作及物动词或不及物动词,用作及物动词时接名词或代词作宾语。
3.gesture后接介词at或to表示用手势示意; 后接“for〔to〕 sb to-v”结构表示用手势示意某人做某事。

gesture at(v.+prep.)
示意… express a certain meaning to sb
▲gesture at sth
I gestured at a chair on the other side of the desk.我做手势示意桌子那边有一把椅子。

gesture over(v.+adv.)
示意(某人)过去 make sb through by gesture
▲gesture sb ⇔ over
She gestured him over.她做手势要他过去。
The boss gestured her over with a movement of his head.老板摆动一下头示意她过去。

gesture to(v.+prep.)
向(某人)打手势; 示意(某人)干某事 express a certain meaning to sb; express a demand by giving a signal
▲gesture to sb to-v
She gestured to the waiter to bring some more coffee.她打手势示意服务员再拿些咖啡来。
▲gesture sb to sth
He gestured me to a chair.他示意我在一张椅子上坐下。

用作不及物动词
▲S+～(+A)
The orator gestured vigorously while speaking.这位演讲者讲话时用力地做手势。
She was gesturing so excitedly that I knew something was wrong.她如此激动地直打手势,我知道出问题了。
用作及物动词
▲S+～+n./pron.
The singer pointed to his throat, gesturing fatigue.歌唱家指着喉头,示意自己非常疲劳。
▲S+～+for sb+to-v
The motorcycle cop frantically gestured for her to pull over.骑摩托车的警察拼命用手势示意她把车开到一边。
The policeman gestured for us to proceed.那警察打手势叫我们继续前进。

［同义词］ n. sign, wave
［词源］＜中古拉丁语gestura(动作方式)

The speaker emphasized his words with vigorous gestures.演说者用有力的手势来强调他的话。
He made a rude gesture with his fingers.他用手指做了一个不礼貌的手势。
English people do not use as much gesture as Italians.英国人不如意大利人用的手势多。
He said that he would help, but I'm sure it was only a gesture.他说他会帮我的,但我相信这只不过是一种表示而已。
His resignation was merely a gesture.他的辞职只是一种表示而已。