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Definition of preaction - 4 dictionary results

ac⋅tion

  [ak-shuhn]
Use preaction in a Sentence
–noun
1. the process or state of acting or of being active: The machine is not in action now.
2. something done or performed; act; deed.
3. 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.
4. actions, habitual or usual acts; conduct: He is responsible for his actions.
5. energetic activity: a man of action.
6. an exertion of power or force: the action of wind upon a ship's sails.
7. effect or influence: the action of morphine.
8. Physiology. a change in organs, tissues, or cells leading to performance of a function, as in muscular contraction.
9. way or manner of moving: the action of a machine or of a horse.
10. the mechanism by which something is operated, as that of a gun or a piano.
11. a military encounter or engagement; battle, skirmish, or the like.
12. actual engagement in fighting an enemy; military or naval combat: He saw action in Vietnam.
13. Literature. the main subject or story, as distinguished from an incidental episode.
14. Theater.
a. an event or series of events that form part of a dramatic plot: the action of a scene.
b. one of the three unities. Compare unity (def. 8).
15. the gestures or deportment of an actor or speaker.
16. Fine Arts. the appearance of animation, movement, or emotion given to figures by their attitude, position, or expression.
17. Law.
a. a proceeding instituted by one party against another.
b. the right of bringing it.
18. Slang.
a. interesting or exciting activity, often of an illicit nature: He gave us some tips on where the action was.
b. gambling or the excitement of gambling: The casino usually offers plenty of action.
c. money bet in gambling, esp. illegally.
19. Ecclesiastical.
a. a religious ceremony, esp. a Eucharistic service.
b. the canon of the Mass.
c. those parts of a service of worship in which the congregation participates.
–adjective
20. characterized by brisk or dynamic action: an action car; an action melodrama.
—Idioms
21. in action,
a. performing or taking part in a characteristic act: The school baseball team is in action tonight.
b. working; functioning: His rescuing the child was bravery in action.
22. out of action, removed from action, as by sudden disability: The star halfback is out of action with a bad knee.
23. piece of the action, Informal. a share of the proceeds or profits: Cut me in for a piece of the action.
24. take action,
a. to start doing something: As soon as we get his decision, we'll take action.
b. to start a legal procedure.
Origin:
1300–50; < L āctiōn- (s. of āctiō), equiv. to āct(us) (ptp.; see act ) + -iōn- -ion; r. ME accioun < AF < L

Related forms:
ac⋅tion⋅less, adjective

Synonyms:
1. movement, operation. 2. Action, act, deed mean something done. Action applies esp. to the doing, act to the result of the doing. An action usually lasts through some time and consists of more than one act: to take action on a petition. An act is single: an act of kindness. Deed emphasizes the finished or completed quality of an act; it may imply an act of some note, good or bad: an irrevocable deed; a deed of daring. 4. behavior. 12. brush, encounter, fight, skirmish. See battle. 15. plot.

Antonyms:
1. rest, inactivity.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: ac·tion
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin actio legal proceeding, from agere to do, carry out, initiate legal proceedings
1 a : a judicial proceeding for the enforcement or protection of a right, the redress or prevention of a wrong, or the punishment of a public offense —compare special proceeding at PROCEEDING b : the right to bring or maintain such a legal or judicial proceeding
2 : an act or decision by an executive or legislative body of a government (as an administrative agency) or of an organization (as a Board of Directors) actions —Railroad H. Bork>
3 : a voluntary act of will that manifests itself externally : a mode of conduct
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: ac·tion
Pronunciation: 'ak-sh&n
Function: noun
1 : the process of exerting a force or bringing about an effect that resultsfrom the inherent capacity of an agent action> action> action of heroin is blocked by methadone>
2 : a function or the performance of a function of the body (as defecation) or of one of its parts actions of the bowel in 24hours —Morris Fishbein> action>
3 : an act of will
4 actions pl : BEHAVIOR actions>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

action ac·tion (āk'shən)
n.

  1. The state or process of acting or doing.

  2. A deed.

  3. A change that occurs in the body or in a bodily organ as a result of its functioning.

  4. Exertion of force or power.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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