reaction

noun

1. (chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others

- there was a chemical reaction of the lime with the ground water

Definition categories: process

2. an idea evoked by some experience

- his reaction to the news was to start planning what to do

Definition categories: thought, idea

3. a bodily process occurring due to the effect of some antecedent stimulus or agent

- a bad reaction to the medicine

Similar word(s): response

Definition categories: act, activity

4. (mechanics) the equal and opposite force that is produced when any force is applied to a body

- every action has an equal and opposite reaction

Definition categories: phenomenon, force

5. a response that reveals a person's feelings or attitude

- he was pleased by the audience's reaction to his performance

- John feared his mother's reaction when she saw the broken lamp

Definition categories: phenomenon, response

6. extreme conservatism in political or social matters

- the forces of reaction carried the election

Definition categories: thought, conservatism

7. doing something in opposition to another way of doing it that you don't like

- his style of painting was a reaction against cubism

Definition categories: act, opposition, resistance