This is the 5123rd most frequent Japanese word.
身動き
The Japanese word "身動き" means "movement" or "mobility," typically referring to physical ability to move or change position.
Here, '身動き' (movement of one's body) is used to describe being physically unable to move due to spatial restrictions.
狭い場所に閉じ込められたため、身動きが取れない状態だった。
Because I was trapped in a narrow space, I was unable to move.
In this case, '身動き' (movement of one's body) conveys being temporarily immobilized by a mental state like shock.
彼の驚きで身動きが止まった瞬間を見た。
I saw the moment when he froze in surprise.
Here, '身動き' figuratively represents the inability to act or make decisions due to external complications.