Main Entry:

ac·tion

Pronunciation:

\ˈak-shən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English accioun, from Anglo-French accion, from Latin action-, actio, from agere to do — more at agent

Date:

14th century

1: the initiating of a proceeding in a court of justice by which one demands or enforces one's right ; also : the proceeding itself2: the bringing about of an alteration by force or through a natural agency3: the manner or method of performing: a: an actor's or speaker's deportment or expression by means of attitude, voice, and gesture b: the style of movement of the feet and legs (as of a horse) c: a function of the body or one of its parts 4: an act of will5 a: a thing done : deed b: the accomplishment of a thing usually over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition cplural : behavior, conduct <unscrupulous actions> d: initiative, enterprise <a man of action>6 a (1): an engagement between troops or ships (2): combat in war <gallantry in action> b (1): an event or series of events forming a literary composition (2): the unfolding of the events of a drama or work of fiction : plot (3): the movement of incidents in a plot c: the combination of circumstances that constitute the subject matter of a painting or sculpture7 a: an operating mechanism b: the manner in which a mechanism or instrument operates8 a: the price movement and trading volume of a commodity, security, or market b: the process of betting including the offering and acceptance of a bet and determination of a winner c: financial gain or an opportunity for financial gain <a piece of the action>9: sexual activity10: the most vigorous, productive, or exciting activity in a particular field, area, or group <wants to be where the action is>