1.something done (usually as opposed to something said);
there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions
2.the state of being active;
his sphere of activity
3.a judicial proceeding brought by one party against another; one party prosecutes another for a wrong done or for protection of a right or for prevention of a wrong
4.an act by a government body or supranational organization;
recent federal action undermined the segregationist position
5.a military engagement;
he saw action in Korea
6.a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings);
the action of natural forces
7.the series of events that form a plot;
his novels always have a lot of action
8.the operating part that transmits power to a mechanism;
the piano had a very stiff action
9.the trait of being active and energetic and forceful;
a man of action
10. the most important or interesting work or activity in a specific area or field;
the action is no longer in technology stocks but in municipal bonds
1.institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against;
He was warned that the district attorney would process him
2.put in effect;
carry out a task