action
/ˈakʃ(ə)n
/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...
- I know that some have argued that we should take action to achieve a very much smaller population.
- She said emissions to air, waste management and water eutrophication required urgent action.
- Elections are the paramount means for influencing governmental action.
Synonyms
steps, measures, activity, movement, work, working, effort, exertion, operation
act, take steps, take measures, take the initiative, move, make a move, react, do something
1.1The way in which something such as a chemical has an effect or influence: the seeds require the catalytic action of water to release heat...
- Syrup alone may act as a demulcent and provide antitussive action without side effects.
- Problems included unspecified dosages, unclear information about drug action, and side effects of drugs.
- When all the finish is removed, apply a neutralizer to stop the chemical action.
Synonyms
effect, influence, power, working, work;
result, consequence
1.2 short for industrial action. the rank and file want to call the action off...
- After two derailments on the tube in as many days, the RMT is balloting for action on London Underground.
- Pickets were to be out again at the Arndale on Friday of this week, the TUC's day of action to defend pensions.
- The apparent rejection of collective action has lead to trade union membership remaining low.
1.3The events represented in a story or play: the action is set in a country house...
- The action of the story divides between this rural backdrop and Helsinki, to which Eeva eventually flees.
- Yes the story and action is horrific at times but Ray and Kathy put in such excellent performances.
- Time. Used to define the limits of the story and around which action is organized.
1.4 informal Exciting or notable activity: the weekend sporting action begins on Saturday people in media want to be where the action is...
- On some days it was difficult for visitors to know which way to look because there was just so much exciting wildlife action going on around them.
- Things got off to a slow start but by mid afternoon there was non stop action.
- At one level, the movie is about science fiction, kung fu, firearms and non-stop action.
Synonyms
excitement, activity, bustle;
happenings, occurrences, proceedings, events, incidents, episodes, eventualities, chain of events
informal goings-on
1.5 [as exclamation] Used by a film director as a command to begin: lights, camera, action...
- Once he has his quarry in his sights, it's ready, aim, fire, lights, camera, action for this freedom-loving documentarian.
- Jayson pointed the camera, Eric called ‘Action’ and Chris ran with an expression of terror on his face.
- I had to make a living and I wanted to get behind a camera and shout ‘action’.
2A thing done; an act: she frequently questioned his actions...
- The wider issue is the question of the state's behaviour and whether its actions were responsible.
- It's all well and good to perform these actions in response to the alarm clock if that's what happens every day.
- The scene requires viewers to question the actions and reactions of characters in a highly complex situation.
Synonyms
deed, act, activity, move, gesture, undertaking, exploit, manoeuvre, achievement, accomplishment, venture, enterprise, endeavour, effort, exertion;
work, handiwork, doing, creation, performance, behaviour, conduct;
reaction, response
2.1A gesture or movement: his actions emphasized his words...
- The darkness of winter slows the city's heartbeat, making our every action or movement an effort.
- His movements contradicted the others' actions, his steps were graceful and quiet like that of a doe.
- No words, just clean efficient movement and actions.
3The way in which something works or moves: the weapon has a smooth action...
- The tray slides along the rails in a very smooth action, and is held in place with four thumbscrews.
- One of the things that gives the gun such a smooth action is the fact that the action bar and magazine tube move together.
- The heart's pumping action pushes the blood around the body through the arteries.
3.1The mechanism that makes a machine or instrument work: a piano with an escapement action...
- His actions are machined from pre heat-treated 4140 bar stock using all carbide tooling.
- He moved the slide action back and forth, checking that the movement was smooth enough to meet his satisfaction.
- Most bolt actions will fit the cartridge without bolt modification and bullets up to .35 caliber can be fitted into some variation of the case.
4 [mass noun] Armed conflict: servicemen listed as missing in action during the war...
- A former soldier who was in the thick of the action during the War told how he had met his match - in York.
- He saw early action in North Africa, where he was awarded a Military Cross and bar.
- Most National Guard and Reservists sign up thinking they'll never see action, let alone deployment overseas.
Synonyms
fighting, hostilities, battle, conflict, armed conflict, combat, warfare, war, bloodshed;
engagement, clash, encounter, confrontation, skirmish, affray
4.1 [count noun] A military engagement: a rearguard action...
- In Africa there have been unilateral military actions by states to overthrow despotic governments in neighbouring states.
- However, other soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines die in combat actions, too.
- One was to engage in guerilla actions and wear the enemy down.
5Legal proceedings; a lawsuit: a civil action for damages...
- Judicial Watch has filed 92 lawsuits and legal actions against government officials.
- As with other questions in this chapter it also covers a number of the judicial actions in the Community legal order.
- Would the law of New Zealand that takes away rights of common law actions for personal injuries and puts people on some kind of pension scheme apply?
Synonyms
lawsuit, legal action, suit, suit at law, case, cause, prosecution, litigation, legal dispute, legal contest;
proceedings, legal proceedings, judicial proceedings
verb [with object]
Take action on; deal with: your request will be actioned...
- If you had a standard monthly payment for the same amount each month, then your request could be actioned.
- Both of these recommendations have been actioned.
- We received separate complaints about flytipping in this area on Tuesday and Wednesday in this area and this will be actioned.
Phrases
action at a distance
actions speak louder than words
go into action
in action
man of action
out of action
put into action
take action
Origin
Late Middle English: via Old French from Latin actio(n-), from agere 'do, act'.