Translate action | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish Definition of action
noun
1the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim:he vowed to take tougher action against persistent offenders if there is a breach of regulations, we will take action the way in which something such as a chemical has an effect or influence:the seeds require the catalytic action of water to release hotness armed conflict:servicemen listed as missing in action during the war a military engagement:a rearguard action the events represented in a story or play:the action is set in the country informal exciting or notable activity:the nonstop action of mountain biking people in the media want to be where the action is [as exclamation] used by a movie director as a command to begin:lights, camera, action!
2a thing done; an act:she frequently questioned his actions I would not be responsible for my actions if I saw him a legal process; a lawsuit:an action for damages a gesture or movement:his actions emphasized his words
3a manner or style of doing something, typically the way in which a mechanism works or a person moves: a high paddle action in canoeing the weapon has speed and smooth action the mechanism that makes a machine or instrument work:a piano with an escapement action
