ˈækʃən n. & v. --n. 1
the fact or process of
doing or
acting (demanded action; put ideas
into action). 2 forcefulness or
energy as a
characteristic (a
woman of action). 3 the exertion of energy or
influence (the action of
acid on metal). 4
something done; a
deed or
act (not
aware of
his own actions). 5 a a
series of events represented in a story,
play, etc. b sl.
exciting activity (arrived
late and missed the action;
want some action). 6 a armed
conflict; fighting (killed in action). b an
occurrence of
this,
esp. a
minor military engagement. 7 a the
way in
which a
machine,
instrument, etc. works (explain the action of an
air pump). b the
mechanism that makes a machine, instrument, etc. (e.g. a
musical instrument, a
gun, etc.)
work. c the
mode or
style of
movement of an
animal or
human (usu. described in some way) (a
runner with good action). 8 a
legal process; a
lawsuit (bring an action). 9 (in imper.) a
word of
command to
begin, esp. used by a
film director etc. --v.tr.
bring a legal action
against. øaction
committee (or
group etc.) a
body formed to
take active steps, esp. in
politics. action-packed colloq. full of action or excitement. action
painting an
aspect of
abstract expressionism with
paint applied by the artist's
random or
spontaneous gestures. action
point a
proposal for action, esp. arising
from a
discussion etc. action
replay a playback of
part of a
television broadcast, esp. a
sporting event,
often in
slow motion. action stations positions taken up by troops etc.
ready for
battle. go into action
start work.
out of action
not working. take action begin to act (esp. energetically in protest). [ME f. OF f. L actio -onis (as ACT)]
