n.
Function: transitive verb
Date: 1590
1 obsolete : ACTUATE , ANIMATE
2 a : to represent or perform by action especially on the stage b : FEIGN , SIMULATE c : IMPERSONATE
3 : to play the part of as if in a play < act the man of the world>
4 : to behave in a manner suitable to < act your age>
intransitive verb
1 a : to perform on the stage b : to behave as if performing on the stage : PRETEND
2 : to take action : MOVE <think before act ing > < act ed favorably on the recommendation>
3 : to conduct oneself : BEHAVE < act like a fool>
4 : to perform a specified function : SERVE <trees act ing as a windbreak>
5 : to produce an effect : WORK <wait for a medicine to act >
6 of a play : to be capable of being performed <the play act s well>
7 : to give a decision or award <adjourned without act ing on the bill>
– act · abil · i · ty \ ˌ ak-t ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– act · able \ ' ak-t ə -b ə l \ adjective