First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
action
noun ac·tion \ˈak-shən\
Definition of ACTION
1
: the initiating of a proceeding in a court of justice by which one demands or enforces one's right; also : the proceeding itself
2
: the bringing about of an alteration by force or through a natural agency
3
: the manner or method of performing: a : an actor's or speaker's deportment or expression by means of attitude, voice, and gesture b : the style of movement of the feet and legs (as of a horse) c : a function of the body or one of its parts
4
: an act of will
5
a : a thing done : deed b : the accomplishment of a thing usually over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition c plural : behavior, conduct <unscrupulous actions> d : initiative, enterprise <a man of action>
6
a (1) : an engagement between troops or ships (2) : combat in war <gallantry in action> b (1) : an event or series of events forming a literary composition (2) : the unfolding of the events of a drama or work of fiction : plot (3) : the movement of incidents in a plot c : the combination of circumstances that constitute the subject matter of a painting or sculpture
7
a : an operating mechanism b : the manner in which a mechanism or instrument operates
8
a : the price movement and trading volume of a commodity, security, or market b : the process of betting including the offering and acceptance of a bet and determination of a winner c : financial gain or an opportunity for financial gain <a piece of the action>
9
: sexual activity
10
: the most vigorous, productive, or exciting activity in a particular field, area, or group <wants to be where the action is>
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Origin of ACTION
Middle English accioun, from Anglo-French accion, from Latin action-, actio, from agere to do — more at agent
ACTION Defined for Kids
action
noun ac·tion \ˈak-shən\
Definition of ACTION for Kids
1
: the process by which something produces a change in another thing <the action of acid on metal>
2
: the doing of something <Action is needed on this problem.>
3
: something done <The mayor's first action was to call a meeting.>
4
: the way something runs or works <the toy car's spinning action>
5
: combat in war
Medical Dictionary
action
noun ac·tion \ˈak-shən\
Medical Definition of ACTION
1
: the process of exerting a force or bringing about an effect that results from the inherent capacity of an agent <protein synthesis is an expression of gene action> <insecticidal action>
2
: a function or the performance of a function of the body (as defecation) or of one of its parts <the normal baby has three or four actions of the bowel in 24 hours—Morris Fishbein> <heart action>
3
: an act of will
4
actions pl : behavior <aggressive actions>
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