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action

Pronunciation: /ˈakʃ(ə)n/
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Definition of action

noun

  • 1 [mass noun] the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim:ending child labour will require action on many levels strike action was threatened
  • the way in which something such as a chemical has an effect or influence:the seeds require the catalytic action of water to release heat
  • short for industrial action.the rank and file want to call the action off
  • the events represented in a story or play:the action is set in a country house
  • informal exciting or notable activity:the weekend sporting action begins on Saturday people in media want to be where the action is
  • [as exclamation] used by a film director as a command to begin:lights, camera, action
  • 2a thing done; an act:she frequently questioned his actions
  • a gesture or movement: his actions emphasized his words
  • 3the way in which something works or moves:the weapon has a smooth action
  • the mechanism that makes a machine or instrument work: a piano with an escapement action
  • 4 [mass noun] armed conflict:servicemen listed as missing in action during the war
  • [count noun] a military engagement:a rearguard action
  • 5legal proceedings; a lawsuit:a civil action for damages

verb

[with object]
  • take action on; deal with:your request will be actioned

Phrases

action at a distance

Physics, chiefly historical the exertion of force by one body on another separated from the first by empty space.

actions speak louder than words

proverb what someone actually does means more than what they say they will do.

go into action

start work or activity: skin divers were close at hand, ready to go into action if the stunt went wrong

in action

in operation; working:watching him in action, normal workers are left in awe

man of action

a man whose life is characterized by physical activity or deeds rather than by words or intellectual matters.

out of action

temporarily unable to work or function:a heart attack put him out of action

put into action

put into effect; carry out:ideas need to be put into action

take action

do something official or concerted to achieve an aim or deal with a problem:if there is a breach of regulations, we will take action he vowed to take tougher action against persistent offenders

Origin:

late Middle English: via Old French from Latin actio(n-), from agere 'do, act'

action in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of action in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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