the process or state of acting or of being active

The machine is not in action now.

something done or performed; act; deed.

an act that one consciously wills and that may be characterized by physical or mental activity

a crisis that demands action instead of debate; hoping for constructive action by the landlord.

actions, habitual or usual acts; conduct

He is responsible for his actions.

energetic activity

a man of action.

an exertion of power or force

the action of wind upon a ship's sails.

effect or influence

the action of morphine.

Physiology . a change in organs, tissues, or cells leading to performance of a function, as in muscular contraction.

way or manner of moving

the action of a machine or of a horse.

the mechanism by which something is operated, as that of a gun or a piano.

a military encounter or engagement; battle, skirmish, or the like.

actual engagement in fighting an enemy; military or naval combat

He saw action in Vietnam.

Literature . the main subject or story, as distinguished from an incidental episode.

Theater .

an event or series of events that form part of a dramatic plot

the action of a scene.

one of the three unities. Compare unity ( def. 8 ) .

the gestures or deportment of an actor or speaker.

Fine Arts . the appearance of animation, movement, or emotion given to figures by their attitude, position, or expression.

Law .

a proceeding instituted by one party against another.

the right of bringing it.

Slang .

interesting or exciting activity, often of an illicit nature

He gave us some tips on where the action was.

gambling or the excitement of gambling

The casino usually offers plenty of action.

money bet in gambling, esp. illegally.

Ecclesiastical .

a religious ceremony, esp. a Eucharistic service.

the canon of the Mass.

those parts of a service of worship in which the congregation participates.

characterized by brisk or dynamic action

an action car; an action melodrama.

in action

performing or taking part in a characteristic act

The school baseball team is in action tonight.

working; functioning

His rescuing the child was bravery in action.

out of action, removed from action

as by sudden disability

The star halfback is out of action with a bad knee.

piece of the action

Informal . a share of the proceeds or profits

Cut me in for a piece of the action.

take action

to start doing something

As soon as we get his decision, we'll take action.

to start a legal procedure.

noun

cessation , idleness , inaction , inactivity , inertia , repose , rest , stoppage , stagnation

noun

activity , agility , alacrity , alertness , animation , bag * , ballgame , big idea , bit * , business , bustle , commotion , dash , deal , energy , enterprise , flurry , force , functioning , game , going , happening , haste , hoopla * , hopper , industry , in the works , life , liveliness , motion , movement , occupation , operation , plan , power , process , proposition , racket * , reaction , response , rush , scene , spirit , stir , stunt , trip , turmoil , vigor , vim , vitality , vivacity , accomplishment , achievement , act , blow , commission , dealings , doing , effort , execution , exercise , exertion , exploit , feat , handiwork , maneuver , manipulation , move , performance , procedure , step , stroke , thrust , transaction , undertaking , case , cause , claim , lawsuit , litigation , proceeding , prosecution , suit , battle , combat , conflict , contest , encounter , engagement , fight , fighting , fray , skirmish , warfare , deed , thing , work , comportment , conduct , deportment , way , instance , (law) lawsuit , advancement , adventure , affair , agency , alarums and excursions , arena , behavior , charade , coup , deeds , discipline , excitement , function , hyperkinesia , incentive , inducement , initiative , labor , means , mechanics , motivation , pl. conduct , play , plot , practice , production , replevin , sprightliness , stadium , stage , stimulus , tempest , vortex