action

ac-tion · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The process of doing something to achieve an aim.

  2. 2.

    A thing done; an act or deed.

  3. 3.

    Exciting activity or events.

  4. 4.

    [law]A legal process; a lawsuit.

  5. 5.

    [military]Armed conflict; fighting.

  6. 6.

    The way something moves or works.

Forms

plural: actions

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in action — Operating; at work.
  • •
    out of action — Not functioning; unable to work.
  • •
    put into action — Implement; start using.
  • •
    actions speak louder than words — What you do is more important than what you say.
  • •
    a piece of the action — A share in the profits or activity.
  • •
    action stations — Positions taken in preparation for activity.
  • •
    spring into action — Start acting suddenly and energetically.

Related words

Antonyms: inaction, inactivity, passivity
See also: act, activity, deed, movement
Synonyms: act, activity, deed, movement

Etymology

From Latin actio ("a doing, performing, action"), from actus, past participle of agere ("to do, drive").