- 1[countable] a particular thing that someone does a criminal act act of something an act of kindness acts of terrorism act of somebody The murder was the act of a psychopath. Thesaurusaction
- measure
- step
- act
- move
- action a thing that someone does:Her quick action saved the child's life.
- measure an official action that is done in order to achieve a particular aim:The government introduced tougher security measures last summer.
- step one of a series of things that you do in order to achieve something:This work is a first step towards our eventual goal.
- act a thing that someone does:an act of kindness
- move (used especially in journalism) an action that you do or need to do to achieve something:They are waiting for the results of the opinion polls before deciding their next move.
- to take action/measures/steps
- to make a move
- a heroic/brave/daring action/step/act/move
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law - 2[countable] a law that has been passed by a government an act of Congress the Civil Rights Act A committee on Safety of Medicines was set up under the Act.
- 3[singular] a way of behaving that is not sincere but is intended to have a particular effect on others Don't take her seriously—it's all an act. You could tell she was just putting on an act. in play/entertainment
- 4[countable] one of the main divisions of a play, an opera, etc. a play in five acts The hero dies in Act 5, Scene 3.
- 5[countable] one of several short pieces of entertainment in a show a circus/comedy/magic act
- 6[countable] a performer or group of musicians They were one of rock's most impressive live acts. Idioms
something that someone does
an event caused by natural forces beyond human control, such as a storm, a flood, or an earthquake
to be/become involved in an activity that someone else has started, especially to get something for yourself New companies want to get in on the act and provide cable services.
to start behaving in a moral or responsible way He cleaned up his act and got a job.
to go away or be impossible to find when people need or want you
to organize yourself and your activities in a more effective way in order to achieve something He needs to get his act together if he's going to pass.
a person who is so good or successful at something that it will be difficult for anyone else coming after them to be as good or successful She has been an excellent principal and will be a hard act to follow.
while you are doing something He was caught in the act of stealing a car. It is often difficult to tell when someone is using drugs unless they are caught in the act.
to tell someone with force that they must not do something
Check pronunciation: act