I. verb
1.
to present a role or performance on or as if on the stage
acted the part of Hamlet's father
Synonyms: discourse, do, enact, impersonate, perform, personate, play, playact
Related Word: characterize, portray, represent; masquerade; counterfeit, feign, sham, simulate
2.
Synonyms: assume 4, affect, bluff, counterfeit, fake, feign, pretend, put on, sham, simulate
Idioms: act a part, put on an act (of)
3.
Synonyms: behave 1, acquit, bear, carry, comport, conduct, demean, deport, go on, quit
Related Word: perform
4.
to perform the duties or function of
he acted as president for over a year
Synonyms: function, officiate, serve
Idioms: do duty (as), discharge the office (of), serve in the office ( or capacity) of
5.
to perform especially in an indicated way
the laxative acted quickly
Synonyms: behave, function, operate, perform, react, take, work
Idioms: take effect
6.
Synonyms: function 3, go, run, work
II. noun
Synonyms: action 1, accomplishment, deed, doing, thing
Related Word: exploit, feat