◙ noun 1. [mass noun] the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim • （尤指为达成一目的）行动，行动过程 »demanding tougher action against terrorism. 要求采取更强硬的行动反对恐怖主义。 »if there is a breach of regulations, we will take action. 要是有违反规章的情况，我们就会采取行动。 the way in which something such as a chemical has an effect or influence • （化学物等起的）作用 »the seeds require the catalytic action of water to release heat. 种子需要水的催化作用来散热。 short forindustrial action • industrial action 的简称 »the rank and file want to call the action off. 基层群众想取消这次罢工。 armed conflict • 武力行为，武装冲突 »servicemen listed as missing in action during the war. 战时在战斗中失踪人员名单上的军人。 [count noun] a military engagement • 战斗，作战，军事行动 »a rearguard action. 后卫战斗。 the events represented in a story or play • 情节 »the action is set in a country house. 故事发生在一所乡村房舍里。 [informal] exciting or notable activity • [非正式] （令人激动的或值得注意的）活动 »the weekend sporting action begins on Saturday. 周末的体育活动从周六开始。 »people in media want to be where the action is. 媒体人员想亲临活动现场。 [as exclamation] used by a film director as a command to begin • 开始（电影导演开拍的指令） »lights, camera, action. 灯光，摄影，开始。 2. a thing done; an act • 事情，行为 »I would not be responsible for my actions if I saw him. 我要是见到他，就不会对我的行为负责。 a legal process; a lawsuit • 诉讼 »a civil action for damages. 要求赔偿损失的民事诉讼。 a gesture or movement • 举动，行动 3. [usu. with modifier] a manner or style of doing something, typically the way in which a mechanism works or a person moves • 做事方式，风格（尤指机械运转或人的动作方式） »a high paddle action in canoeing. 划船时的一次高桨划动。 the mechanism that makes a machine or instrument work • （使机器或器械运转的）机制 »a piano with an escapement action. 有控键装置的钢琴。 ◙ verb 1. [with obj.] [一般作 be actioned] take action on; deal with • 对…采取行动，处理 »your request will be actioned. 你的请求会被受理的。
【IDIOMS】
◘ actions speak louder than words 1. (proverb)what someone actually does means more than what they say they will do • [谚] 事实胜于雄辩 ◘ go into action 1. start work or activity • 开始行动，干起来 ◘ in action 1. engaged in a certain activity; in operation • 在活动，在运转 »watching him in action, normal workers are left in awe. 看他工作，普通工人都肃然起敬。 ◘ man (或 woman) of action 1. a person whose life is characterized by physical activity or deeds rather than by words or intellectual matters • 实干者 ◘ out of action 1. temporarily unable to engage in a certain activity; not working • 暂停活动，不（再）起作用；不（再）运转，失效 »a heart attack put him out of action. 他心脏病发作，无法继续工作。 ◘ put into action 1. put into effect; carry out • 生效；实施
【语源】
1. late middle English : via Old French from Latin actio(n-), from agere 'do, act'