something done (usually as opposed to something said); there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions'

the most important or interesting work or activity in a specific area or field; the action is no longer in technology stocks but in municipal bonds; gawkers always try to get as close to the action as possible'

the state of being active; his sphere of activity; he is out of action

[ Syn: activity , activity , activity , activeness , activeness , activeness ]

a military engagement; he saw action in Korea

[ Syn: military action ]

a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings); the action of natural forces; volcanic activity

[ Syn: natural process , natural action , activity ]

the series of events that form a plot; his novels always have a lot of action'

the trait of being active and energetic and forceful; a man of action'

the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism; the piano had a very stiff action

[ Syn: action mechanism ]

a judicial proceeding brought by one party against another; one party prosecutes another for a wrong done or for protection of a right or for prevention of a wrong

[ Syn: legal action , action at law ]

an act by a government body or supranational organization; recent federal action undermined the segregationist position; the United Nations must have the power to propose and organize action without being hobbled by irrelevant issues; the Union action of emancipating Southern slaves'

institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against; He was warned that the district attorney would process him; She actioned the company for discrimination

[ Syn: sue , litigate , process ]

put in effect; carry out a task; execute the decision of the people; He actioned the operation

[ Syn: carry through , carry through , accomplish , accomplish , execute , execute , carry out , carry out , fulfill , fulfill , fulfil , fulfil ]