action

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noun
what sb does
[U] the process of doing sth in order to make sth happen or to deal with a situation: The time has come for action if these beautiful animals are to survive. ◆ Firefighters took action immediately to stop the blaze spreading. ◆ What is the best course of action in the circumstances? ◆ She began to explain her plan of action to the group.
See also DIRECT ACTION, INDUSTRIAL ACTION
[C] a thing that sb does: Her quick action saved the child's life. ◆ Each of us must take responsibility for our own actions.
legal process
[C, U] a legal process to stop a person or company from doing sth, or to make them pay for a mistake, etc: A libel action is being brought against the magazine that published the article. ◆ He is considering taking legal action against the hospital.
in war
[U] fighting in a battle or war: military action ◆ soldiers killed in action
in story / play
[U] the events in a story, play, etc: The action takes place in France.
exciting events
[U] exciting events: I like films with plenty of action. ◆ If you want to know where all the action is around here, just ask Jo. ◆ New York is where the action is.
effect
[U] ~ of sth (on sth) the effect that one substance or chemical has on another: the action of sunlight on the skin ◆ The action of the rushing water cleans the gully.
of part of the body
[U, C] (technical) the way a part of the body moves or functions: a study of the action of the liver
of machine
[sing.] the mechanism of a piano, gun, clock, etc. or the way the parts move
Idioms: actions speak louder than words (saying) what a person actually does means more than what they say they will do
in action if sb/sth is in action, they are doing the activity or work that is typical for them: Just press the button to see your favourite character in action. ◆ I've yet to see all the players in action.
into action if you put an idea or a plan into action, you start making it happen or work: The new plan for traffic control is being put into action on an experimental basis.
out of action not able to work or be used because of injury or damage: Jon is out of action for weeks with a broken leg. ◆ The photocopier is out of action today.
a piece / slice of the action (informal) a share or role in an interesting or exciting activity, especially in order to make money: Foreign firms will all want a piece of the action if the new airport goes ahead.
more at EVASIVE, SPRING v., SWING v.
verb [VN] to take appropriate steps to make sure that sth is done or dealt with: Your request will be actioned.

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