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action

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noun American English pronunciation: action /ˈækʃ(ə)n/ 
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singularaction
pluralactions
Other entries for this word
 
  1. 1
    [uncountable] the process of doing something, especially in order to stop a bad situation from developing or continuing

    Officials are not planning any immediate action.

    take action (=begin to do something to solve a particular problem):

    We urge the authorities to take action.

    course of action (=something that you do in order to achieve a particular purpose):

    We have three possible courses of action.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of action
    1. a.
      [countable/uncountable] the process of bringing a case to a court of law. This kind of action is also called legal action
      bring an action (against someone) (=start a legal process against someone):

      The magazine will fight the libel action brought by the singer.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of action
      See also  class action
    2. b.
      [countable/uncountable] the process of stopping work or working less effectively in order to protest about your pay, working conditions, etc.

      The strikers voted to suspend their action.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of action
  3. 3
    [countable/uncountable] a movement that you make with your body

    She found herself copying his actions.

    reflex actions such as swallowing

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of action
    1. a.
      [singular/uncountable] the movement of an object as it works or makes progress, especially a particular kind of movement
      action of:

      This switch slows down the action of the pump.

      the erosive action of a great glacier

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of action
  4. 4
    [singular/uncountable] the effect that something such as a drug or chemical has
    the action of something (on something):

    the action of certain chemicals on the brain

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of action
  5. 5
    [uncountable] fighting that is part of a war

    Can military action be avoided?

    killed/missing/wounded in action:

    a list of soldiers missing in action

    see action (=take part in military fighting):

    We've been told we're unlikely to see action.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of action
  6. 6
    [singular/uncountable] informal all the exciting or important events that happen in a particular situation or place

    Where's all the action in this town?

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of action
  7. 7
    [singular] the events that form part of a play or movie

    In Scene 1, the action takes place in an expensive restaurant.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of action

phrases

This is the American English definition of action. View British English definition of action.

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