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n. 1. The state or process of acting or doing: The medical team went into action. 2. Something that is done or accomplished; a deed. See Usage Note at act. 3. Organized activity to accomplish an objective: a problem requiring drastic action. 4. The causation of change by the exertion of power or a natural process: the action of waves on a beach; the action of a drug on blood pressure. 5. Habitual or vigorous activity; energy: a woman of action. 6. often actions Behavior or conduct. 7. Law A proceeding brought before a court to obtain relief; a lawsuit. 8. a. Armed encounter; combat: missing in action. b. An engagement between troops or ships: fought a rear-guard action. 9. The most important or exciting work or activity in a specific field or area: always heads for where the action is. 10. a. A movement or a series of movements, as of an actor. b. Manner of movement: a horse with fine action. c. The appearance of animation of a figure in painting or sculpture. 11. a. The series of events and episodes that form the plot of a story or play: The action of the novel takes place over 40 years in the South. b. A series or number of fast-moving, exciting, or dangerous events, especially in a movie: liked the film because there was so much action. 12. a. The operating parts of a mechanism. b. The manner in which such parts operate. c. The manner in which a musical instrument can be played; playability: a piano with quick action. action·less adj. |
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