n.

1. something done (usually as opposed to something said)
   
   • there were stories of murders and other unnatural actions
2. the state of being active;
   activity, activeness
   
   • his sphere of activity
   • he is out of action
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;
   legal action, action at law
4. an act by a government body or supranational organization
   
   • recent federal action undermined the segregationist position
   • the United Nations must have the power to propose and organize action without being hobbled by irrelevant issues
   • the Union action of emancipating Southern slaves
5. a military engagement;
   military action
   
   • he saw action in Korea
6. a process existing in or produced by nature (rather than by the intent of human beings);
   natural process, natural action, activity
   
   • the action of natural forces
   • volcanic activity
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;
   action 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
    • gawkers always try to get as close to the action as possible

v.

1. institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against;
   sue, litigate, process
   
   • He was warned that the district attorney would process him
   • She actioned the company for discrimination
2. put in effect;
   carry through, accomplish, execute, carry out, fulfill, fulfil
   
   • carry out a task
   • execute the decision of the people
   • He actioned the operation