1 [mass noun] the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim:ending child labour will require action on many levelsstrike action was threatened
the way in which something such as a chemical has an effect or influence:the seeds require the catalytic action of water to release heat
short for industrial action.the rank and file want to call the action off
the events represented in a story or play:the action is set in a country house
informal exciting or notable activity:the weekend sporting action begins on Saturdaypeople in media want to be where the action is
[as exclamation] used by a film director as a command to begin:lights, camera, action
2a thing done; an act:she frequently questioned his actions
a gesture or movement:his actions emphasized his words
3the way in which something works or moves:the weapon has a smooth action
the mechanism that makes a machine or instrument work:a piano with an escapement action
4 [mass noun] armed conflict:servicemen listed as missing in action during the war
[count noun] a military engagement:a rearguard action
5legal proceedings; a lawsuit:a civil action for damages
ზმნა
Universal
take action on; deal with:your request will be actioned
action at a distance
Physics, chiefly historical the exertion of force by one body on another separated from the first by empty space.
actions speak louder than words
proverb what someone actually does means more than what they say they will do.
go into action
start work or activity:skin divers were close at hand, ready to go into action if the stunt went wrong
in action
in operation; working:watching him in action, normal workers are left in awe
man of action
a man whose life is characterized by physical activity or deeds rather than by words or intellectual matters.
out of action
temporarily unable to work or function:a heart attack put him out of action
put into action
put into effect; carry out:ideas need to be put into action
take action
do something official or concerted to achieve an aim or deal with a problem:if there is a breach of regulations, we will take actionhe vowed to take tougher action against persistent offenders