<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the process or state of acting or of being active: The machine is not in action now.</li><li>something done or performed; act; deed.</li><li>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.</li><li>actions, habitual or usual acts; conduct: He is responsible for his actions.</li><li>energetic activity: a man of action.</li><li>an exertion of power or force: the action of wind upon a ship's sails.</li><li>effect or influence: the action of morphine.</li><li>a change in organs, tissues, or cells leading to performance of a function, as in muscular contraction.</li><li>way or manner of moving: the action of a machine or of a horse.</li><li>the mechanism by which something is operated, as that of a gun or a piano.</li><li>a military encounter or engagement; battle, skirmish, or the like.</li><li>actual engagement in fighting an enemy; military or naval combat: He saw action in Vietnam.</li><li>the main subject or story, as distinguished from an incidental episode.</li><li>an event or series of events that form part of a dramatic plot: the action of a scene.</li><li>the appearance of animation, movement, or emotion given to figures by their attitude, position, or expression.</li><li>a proceeding instituted by one party against another.</li><li>interesting or exciting activity, often of an illicit nature: He gave us some tips on where the action was.</li><li>money bet in gambling, especially illegally.</li><li>a religious ceremony, especially a Eucharistic service.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>characterized by brisk or dynamic action: an action car; an action melodrama.</li></ul>