action

Noun

• 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
    

• 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
    

• 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

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

• the trait of being active and energetic and forceful
  • a man of action
    

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

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

• a military engagement
  • he saw action in Korea
    

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

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

Verb

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

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

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  legal action , action at law , action mechanism , natural process , natural action , activity , military action , activeness , carry through , accomplish , execute , carry out , fulfill , fulfil , sue , litigate , process
• Antonyms: 
  inaction , inactivity , inactiveness