0 the process of doing something, especially when dealing with a problem or difficulty:
This problem calls for swift/prompt action from the government.
[ + to infinitive ] Action to prevent the spread of the disease is high on the government's agenda.
We must take action (= do something) to deal with the problem before it spreads to other areas.
So what's the plan of action? (= What are we going to do?)
The complaints system swings into action (= starts to work) as soon as a claim is made.
The committee was spurred into action (= encouraged to do something) by the threat of government cuts.
1 something that you do:
2 things that are happening, especially exciting or important things:
3 the effect something has on another thing:
7 to do something to deal with a particular problem or matter:
8 the process of doing something, or something done, esp. for a particular purpose:
[ U ] Quick action in calling the fire department saved many lives.
[ C ] It was a reckless action which he later came to regret.
[ + to infinitive ] We want a leader who will take action to fix our problems.
[ U ] Financial advisers urged the city to take action (= do something) to deal with the fiscal crisis.
9 the way something moves or works, or the effect it has on something else:
[ C ] The heart’s action in regulating blood flow is critically important.
10 a process in a court of law to correct a wrong by which a person or group claims to have been hurt:
[ C ] She brought an action against the hospital for negligence.
11 the process of doing something, especially in order to deal with a problem or difficult situation:
take action (to do sth) The report urged industrialised nations to take further action to cut their budget deficits.
action on sth Campaigners say more action is needed on climate change.
call/press for action Unions are pressing for action on the pay dispute.
The committee was spurred into action by the threat of government cuts.
You need to clearly outline a specific course of action in your business plan.
12 something that you do, especially in order to deal with a problem or difficult situation:
15 to begin working to make an idea or a plan happen or be successful:
16 a way of dealing with a problem or difficult situation, or achieving something:
17 involvement in something successful that someone else has started:
18 to do something to deal with a particular task, problem, or plan:
Some of the conclusions and recommendations of the report can be actioned straight away.
The government is supporting military action.
The richer countries of the world must take action to help the poorer countries.
I hope these arguments have convinced you of the need for action.
It is clear that most women supported this action, from the results of the opinion poll.
She wrote an angry letter to the paper complaining about the council's action.
The defendant was depressed and therefore not fully responsible for her own actions.
中文繁体
做某事, (尤指應對問題或困難的)行動, 行動過程…
More中文简体
做某事, (尤指应对问题或困难的)行动, 行动过程…
MoreEspañol
acción, acto, acción [feminine]…
MorePortuguês
ação…
More日本語
楽しいこと, 興奮, 行動…
MoreTürk dili
hareket, eylem, aksiyon…
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action [feminine], acte [masculine], combat [masculine]…
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acció, acte…
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