action
(noun, verb, interjection)
interjection
1. Demanding or signifying the start of something, usually an act or scene of a theatric performance.
- The director yelled ‘Action!’ before the camera started rolling.
noun
1. something done (usually as opposed to something said)
- there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions
Definition categories: act, deed
2. the state of being active
- he is out of action
Similar word(s): activeness, activity
Definition categories: state
3. a military engagement
- he saw action in Korea
Definition categories: act
4. a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings)
- the action of natural forces
Similar word(s): activity
Definition categories: process
5. the series of events that form a plot
- his novels always have a lot of action
Definition categories: communication, plot
6. the trait of being active and energetic and forceful
- a man of action
Definition categories: attribute, drive
7. the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism
- the piano had a very stiff action
Definition categories: man–made, mechanism
8. a judicial proceeding brought by one party against another; one party prosecutes another for a wrong done or for protection of a right or for prevention of a wrong
Definition categories: act, proceeding, proceedings
9. an act by a government body or supranational organization
- recent federal action undermined the segregationist position
- the United Nations must have the power to propose and organize action without being hobbled by irrelevant issues
- the Union action of emancipating Southern slaves
Definition categories: act
10. the most important or interesting work or activity in a specific area or field
- the action is no longer in technology stocks but in municipal bonds
- gawkers always try to get as close to the action as possible
Definition categories: act, work
Sentences with action as a noun:
- Knead bread with a rocking action.
- an action movie
- a rifle action
- He saw some action in the Korean War.
verb
1. institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
- She actioned the company for discrimination
Similar word(s): litigate, process, sue
Definition categories: social, challenge
2. put in effect
- He actioned the operation
Similar word(s): accomplish, execute, fulfil, fulfill
Definition categories: creation, complete, finish, effect, effectuate