— actionless , adj.
/ak"sheuhn/ , n.
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. Physiol. 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. Cf. 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. Eccles.
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.
20. 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.
21. out of action , removed from action, as by sudden disability: The star halfback is out of action with a bad knee.
22. piece of the action , Informal. a share of the proceeds or profits: Cut me in for a piece of the action.
23. take action ,
a. to start doing something: As soon as we get his decision, we'll take action.
b. to start a legal procedure.
adj.
24. characterized by brisk or dynamic action: an action car; an action melodrama.
[ 1300-50; action- (s. of actio ), equiv. to act ( us ) (ptp.; see ACT) + -ion- -ION; r. ME accioun ]
Syn. 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.
Ant. 1. rest, inactivity.