action action /ˈækʃən/

noun

1. () Something done (usually as opposed to something said)  ( action )
   something done (usually as opposed to something said)
    There were stories of murders and other unnatural actions
   there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions
   
2. () The state of being active  ( activeness , action , activity )
   the state of being active
    His sphere of activity
   his sphere of activity
    He is out of action
   he is out of action
   
3. () (military) a military engagement  ( military action , action )
   (military) a military engagement
    He saw action in Korea
   he saw action in Korea
   
4. () A process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings)  ( activity , natural action , natural process , action )
   a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings)
    The action of natural forces
   the action of natural forces
    Volcanic activity
   volcanic activity
   
5. () (law) 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  ( action at law , legal action , action )
   (law) 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
   
6. () The operating part that transmits power to a mechanism  ( action mechanism , action )
   the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism
    The piano had a very stiff action
   the piano had a very stiff action
   
   
7. () The trait of being active and energetic and forceful  ( action )
   the trait of being active and energetic and forceful
    A man of action
   a man of action
   
8. () The series of events that form a plot  ( action )
   the series of events that form a plot
    His novels always have a lot of action
   his novels always have a lot of action
   
9. The most important or interesting work or activity in a specific area or field  ( action )
   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
   the action is no longer in technology stocks but in municipal bonds
    Gawkers always try to get as close to the action as possible
   gawkers always try to get as close to the action as possible
   
10. An act by a government body or supranational organization  ( action )
    an act by a government body or supranational organization
     Recent federal action undermined the segregationist position
    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 United Nations must have the power to propose and organize action without being hobbled by irrelevant issues
     The Union action of emancipating Southern slaves
    the Union action of emancipating Southern slaves
    

verb

1. Put in effect  ( action , execute , fulfil , accomplish , carry out , carry through , fulfill )
   put in effect
    Carry out a task
   carry out a task
    Execute the decision of the people
   execute the decision of the people
    He actioned the operation
   He actioned the operation
   
2. Institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against  ( action , litigate , process , sue )
   institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
    He was warned that the district attorney would process him
   He was warned that the district attorney would process him
    She actioned the company for discrimination
   She actioned the company for discrimination