26984 words

action

25 definitions • 48 examples
1
the process of doing something, especially when dealing with a problem or difficulty:

Examples:

This problem calls for swift/prompt action from the government.
[ + to infinitive ] Action to prevent the spread of the disease is high on the government's agenda.
plan of action So what's the plan of action? (= What are we going to do?)
swing into action The complaints system swings into action (= starts to work) as soon as a claim is made.
take action We must take action (= do something) to deal with the problem before it spreads to other areas.
The committee was spurred into action (= encouraged to do something) by the threat of government cuts.
2
something that you do:

Examples:

She has to accept the consequences of her actions.
I asked him to explain his actions.
3

Examples:

I'll say the words and you can mime the actions.
It only needs a small wrist action (= movement of the wrist) to start the process.
4
things that are happening, especially exciting or important things:

Examples:

I like movies with a lot of action.
In her last novel, the action (= the main events) moves between Greece and southern Spain.
5
a style of film in which a lot of exciting and often violent things happen:

Examples:

His filmmaking style blends action, horror, and comedy.
The action genre is often assumed to appeal more to men.
6
at the place where something important or interesting is happening:

Examples:

A journalist has to be where the action is.
7
the effect something has on another thing:

Examples:

They recorded the action of the drug on the nervous system.
8
fighting in a war:

Examples:

see action He saw action in the trenches.
Her younger son was killed in action.
9
A soldier or other member of the armed forces who is missing in action cannot be found after a battle or other military action, so it is not possible to say if they are dead or alive. :

Examples:

He was reported missing in action.
10
the way something moves or works:

Examples:

We studied the action of the digestive system.
The car has a very smooth braking action.
11
a legal process that is decided in a law court:

Examples:

bring an action She brought an action (for negligence) against the hospital.
The book was halted in South Africa by a threat of legal action.
a libel action
A criminal action was brought against him.
12
to do something to deal with a particular problem or matter:

Examples:

I'll just run through the minutes of the last meeting, raising those points that still have to be actioned.
13
the process of doing something, or something done, esp. for a particular purpose:

Examples:

[ U ] Quick action in calling the fire department saved many lives.
[ C ] It was a reckless action which he later came to regret.
[ + to infinitive ] We want a leader who will take action to fix our problems.
[ U ] Financial advisers urged the city to take action (= do something) to deal with the fiscal crisis.
14
Action is also fighting in a war:

Examples:

[ U ] Her younger son was killed in action.
15
In an action film/movie, there is usually a lot of violence and many exciting things happen.
16
the way something moves or works, or the effect it has on something else:

Examples:

[ C ] The heart’s action in regulating blood flow is critically important.
17
a process in a court of law to correct a wrong by which a person or group claims to have been hurt:

Examples:

[ C ] She brought an action against the hospital for negligence.
18
the process of doing something, especially in order to deal with a problem or difficult situation:

Examples:

take action (to do sth) The report urged industrialised nations to take further action to cut their budget deficits.
action on sth Campaigners say more action is needed on climate change.
call/press for action Unions are pressing for action on the pay dispute.
The committee was spurred into action by the threat of government cuts.
You need to clearly outline a specific course of action in your business plan.
19
something that you do, especially in order to deal with a problem or difficult situation:

Examples:

Industry analysts said the company's actions cannot control market prices.
He said that employees must be held accountable for their actions.
20
important things that are happening in a market, etc.:

Examples:

Fund managers let themselves be carried away by the favorable market action of the shares.
21
a legal process that is decided in a court of law:

Examples:

civil/court/legal action He threatened legal action to recover the property.
bring an action against sb/sth The purchaser could have brought an action against the vendor under section 12 of the Sale of Goods Act.
22
to begin working to make an idea or a plan happen or be successful:

Examples:

We need to put these plans into action in measurable ways, so that employees regain a sense of control over their lives.
23
a way of dealing with a problem or difficult situation, or achieving something:

Examples:

The Board will devise an action plan to address the problems at the plant.
24
involvement in something successful that someone else has started:

Examples:

It's one thing to be a staff attorney and quite another to be an equity partner getting a piece of the action.
25
to do something to deal with a particular task, problem, or plan:

Examples:

Some of the conclusions and recommendations of the report can be actioned straight away.

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