action

noun

UK /ˈækʃ(ə)n/

Word Forms

singular	action
plural	actions

1
uncountable the process of doing something, especially in order to stop a bad situation from developing or continuing
Officials are not planning any drastic action.
take action (=begin to do something to solve a particular problem):
We urge the authorities to take action.
course of action (=something that you do in order to achieve a particular purpose):
We have three possible courses of action.
Synonyms and related words
The process of performing an action
action
execution
discharge
1. 1a
  countable/uncountable the process of stopping work or working less effectively in order to protest about your pay, working conditions etc. This kind of action is also called industrial action
  The strikers voted to suspend their action.
  Synonyms and related words
  Strikes and other union activity
  action
  blackleg
  break a strike
2. 1b
  countable/uncountable the process of bringing a case to a court of law. This kind of action is also called legal action
  bring an action (against someone) (=start a legal process against someone):
  The magazine will fight the libel action brought by the Prime Minister.
  Synonyms and related words
  Court cases and legal processes
  action
  admit
  advocacy
Collocates
Adjectives frequently used with action
▪ concerted, corrective, decisive, disciplinary, immediate, prompt, punitive, remedial, urgent
2
countable something you do, especially something that seems wrong or unusual to other people
How can you justify your actions?
Synonyms and related words
General words for actions and activities
action
measure
doings
3
countable/uncountable a movement that you make with your body
She found herself copying his actions.
reflex actions such as swallowing
Synonyms and related words
General words for gestures and gesturing
action
body language
flourish
1. 3a
  countable/uncountable a movement that goes with a children’s song
  I’ll sing and you can do the actions.
  Synonyms and related words
  Children’s games
  action
  blind man’s buff
  catch
2. 3b
  singular/uncountable the movement of an object as it works or makes progress, especially a particular kind of movement
  action of:
  This switch slows down the action of the pump.
  the erosive action of a great glacier
  Synonyms and related words
  The process or activity of moving
  movement
  transit
  motion
4
singular/uncountable the effect that something such as a drug or chemical has
the action of something (on something):
the action of certain chemicals on the brain
Synonyms and related words
Chemical reactions and processes
action
adsorb
aerate
5
uncountable fighting that is part of a war
Can military action be avoided?
killed/missing/wounded in action:
a list of soldiers missing in action
see action (=take part in military fighting):
We’ve been told we’re unlikely to see action.
Synonyms and related words
Wars, battles and military manoeuvres
war
battle
campaign
6
singular/uncountable informalall the exciting or important events that happen in a particular situation or place
Where’s all the action in this town?
Synonyms and related words
Dangerous or exciting situations
danger
crisis
emergency
7
singular the events that form part of a play or film
In Scene 1, the action takes place in an expensive restaurant.
Synonyms and related words
Parts of films, stories and plays
act
action
ad-lib

phrases

actions speak louder than words

in action

out of action

a piece sliceof the action

put something into action

action

noun

US /ˈækʃ(ə)n/

Word Forms

singular	action
plural	actions

1
uncountable the process of doing something, especially in order to stop a bad situation from developing or continuing
Officials are not planning any immediate action.
take action (=begin to do something to solve a particular problem):
We urge the authorities to take action.
course of action (=something that you do in order to achieve a particular purpose):
We have three possible courses of action.
Synonyms and related words
The process of performing an action
action
execution
conduct
1. 1a
  countable/uncountable the process of bringing a case to a court of law. This kind of action is also called legal action
  bring an action (against someone) (=start a legal process against someone):
  The magazine will fight the libel action brought by the singer.
  Synonyms and related words
  Court cases and legal processes
  action
  advocacy
  appeal
2. 1b
  countable/uncountable the process of stopping work or working less effectively in order to protest about your pay, working conditions, etc.
  The strikers voted to suspend their action.
  Synonyms and related words
  Strikes and other union activity
  action
  blackleg
  break a strike
Collocates
Adjectives frequently used with action
▪ concerted, corrective, decisive, disciplinary, immediate, prompt, punitive, remedial, urgent
2
countable something you do, especially something that seems wrong or unusual to other people
How can you justify your actions?
Synonyms and related words
General words for actions and activities
action
thing
operation
3
countable/uncountable a movement that you make with your body
She found herself copying his actions.
reflex actions such as swallowing
Synonyms and related words
General words for gestures and gesturing
action
body language
flourish
1. 3a
  singular/uncountable the movement of an object as it works or makes progress, especially a particular kind of movement
  action of:
  This switch slows down the action of the pump.
  the erosive action of a great glacier
  Synonyms and related words
  The process or activity of moving
  movement
  transit
  motion
4
singular/uncountable the effect that something such as a drug or chemical has
the action of something (on something):
the action of certain chemicals on the brain
Synonyms and related words
Chemical reactions and processes
action
adsorb
aerate
5
uncountable fighting that is part of a war
Can military action be avoided?
killed/missing/wounded in action:
a list of soldiers missing in action
see action (=take part in military fighting):
We’ve been told we’re unlikely to see action.
Synonyms and related words
Wars, battles and military maneuvers
war
battle
campaign
6
singular/uncountable informalall the exciting or important events that happen in a particular situation or place
Where’s all the action in this town?
Synonyms and related words
Dangerous or exciting situations
danger
crisis
emergency
7
singular the events that form part of a play or movie
In Scene 1, the action takes place in an expensive restaurant.
Synonyms and related words
Parts of movies, stories and plays
act
action
ad-lib

phrases

actions speak louder than words

in action

out of action

a piece/slice of the action

put something into action

action

verb

1
to act on something (usually a request or order)
I had no time to action your email.
Submitted by:
Ahsan Haji from United Kingdom on 17/08/2011
Open Dictionary - August2011

action

verb

1
to act on something (usually a request or order)
I had no time to action your email.
Submitted by:
Ahsan Haji from United Kingdom on 17/08/2011
Open Dictionary - August2011

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