ENGLISH
REFERENCE

react to

phrasal verb.
Definition

phrasal verb. To behave or feel in a certain way because of something that has happened or been said.

phrasal verb. To respond to a stimulus, event, or remark with a particular behaviour, emotion, or physical change; used of people and, in science, of substances.


SIMPLE

How did she react to the news?

CONTEXTUAL

The crowd reacted to the goal with a roar that shook the stadium.

COMPLEX

Investors reacted to the surprise interest-rate cut far more nervously than the central bank had expected.

Last updated July 27, 2026