What does "action" mean?

1. (something done) a thing that someone does, often to achieve a goal. 2. (excitement or activity) fast-paced or exciting events, especially in a movie or story. 3. (mechanical movement) the way a machine or instrument moves when you use it. 4. (military combat) fighting between soldiers in a war. 5. (legal process) a legal case or a lawsuit in a court of law. 6. (natural process) the effect that a natural force has on something over time. 7. (sexual intercourse) a slang way to talk about having sex.

action

US //ˈækʃən// UK //ˈækʃən// ac·tion

1 something done (n.)
A1 Beginner

a thing that someone does, often to achieve a goal.

a specific deed or act performed by an agent, typically with a particular intention or purpose.

Example

We must take action now to protect the environment for our children.

Example

The government's swift action in lowering interest rates prevented a total collapse of the housing market during the crisis.
- act
- deed
- step
- inaction
2 excitement or activity (n.)
A2 Elementary

fast-paced or exciting events, especially in a movie or story.

the series of events in a narrative, or a state of high-energy activity and excitement.

Example

I prefer action movies because they are more exciting than dramas.

Example

The novel's action shifts rapidly between London and Paris, keeping the reader engaged through constant plot developments.
- boredom
- stillness

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3 mechanical movement (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the way a machine or instrument moves when you use it.

the mechanism or mode of functioning of a mechanical device, such as a piano or a firearm.

Example

The piano has a very light action, making it easy to play fast.

Example

The gunsmith adjusted the rifle's action to ensure the bolt moved smoothly without catching on the casing.
4 military combat (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Military

fighting between soldiers in a war.

armed conflict or engagement between opposing military forces.

Example

The young soldier saw action for the first time during the border conflict.

Example

Several units were decorated for their bravery after seeing intense action during the liberation of the capital city.
- peace
5 legal process (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Law

a legal case or a lawsuit in a court of law.

a judicial proceeding or lawsuit brought by one party against another.

Example

They decided to bring a legal action against the company for breach of contract.

Example

The plaintiff initiated a civil action seeking damages for the emotional distress caused by the defendant's negligence.
6 natural process (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Science

the effect that a natural force has on something over time.

the process or effect of a natural force or chemical substance on an object.

Example

The action of the waves slowly turned the rocks into sand.

Example

The digestive action of the enzymes breaks down complex proteins into simpler amino acids that the body can absorb.
7 sexual intercourse (n.)
C1 Advanced Slang Informal

a slang way to talk about having sex.

a colloquial euphemism for sexual activity or intercourse.

Example

He was hoping to get some action after their third date.

Example

The film's protagonist spent most of the night at the bar looking for some action but went home alone.
- sex

Origin

From Middle English accioun, accion, from Old French aucion, acciun, from Latin āctiō(n) (“act of doing or making”), from āct(us) + action suffix -iō(n), perfect passive participle of agere (“do, act”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti. See also act, active. By surface analysis, act + -ion.

Idioms2 entries