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 itself
2 : the bringing about of an alteration by force or through a natural agency
3 : 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 will
5 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 c plural : 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 sculpture
7 a : an operating mechanism b : the manner in which a mechanism or instrument operates
8 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 activity
10 : the most vigorous, productive, or exciting activity in a particular field, area, or group <wants to be where the action is>