Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense acts, present participle acting, past tense, past participle acted
1. verb
When you act, you do something for a particular purpose.
The deaths occurred when police acted to stop widespread looting and vandalism. [VERB]
I do not doubt that the bank acted properly. [VERB adverb/preposition]
Synonyms: do something, perform, move, function More Synonyms of act
2. verb
If you act on advice or information, you do what has been advised or suggested.
A patient will usually listen to the doctor's advice and act on it. [VERB + on/upon]
3. verb
If someone acts in a particular way, they behave in that way.
...a gang of youths who were acting suspiciously. [VERB adverb]
He acted as if he hadn't heard any of it. [V + as if]
Open wounds act like a magnet to flies. [V + like]
Synonyms: behave, react, go about, acquit yourself More Synonyms of act
4. verb
If someone or something acts as a particular thing, they have that role or function.
He acted as the ship's surgeon. [VERB + as]
A layer of warmer air acted like a lid that trapped any air pollution on the ground. [Vas/like n]
[Also V + like]
Synonyms: work, serve, operate, function More Synonyms of act
5. verb
If someone acts in a particular way, they pretend to be something that they are not.
Chris acted astonished as he examined the note. [VERB adjective]
Kenworthy had tried not to act the policeman. [VERB noun]
6. verb
When professionals such as lawyers act for you, or act on your behalf, they are employed by you to deal with a particular matter.
Lawyers acting for the families of the victims ... [VERB + for]
Because we travelled so much, Sam and I asked a broker to act on our behalf. [VERB preposition]
7. verb
If a force or substance acts on someone or something, it has a certain effect on them.
The drug acts very fast on the central nervous system. [VERB + on/upon]
A hypnotist can act upon the unconscious mind directly. [Von/upon n]
[Also VERB]
8. verb
If you act, or act a part in a play or film, you have a part in it.
She confessed to her parents her desire to act. [VERB]
She acted in her first film when she was 13 years old. [VERB + in]
[Also VERB noun]
Synonyms: perform, be an actor, be an actress, tread the boards [informal] More Synonyms of act
9. countable noun
An act is a single thing that someone does.
[formal]
Language interpretation is the whole point of the act of reading. [+ of]
My insurance excludes acts of sabotage and damage done by weapons of war.
Synonyms: deed, action, step, performance More Synonyms of act
10. singular noun
If you say that someone's behaviour is an act, you mean that it does not express their real feelings.
There were moments when I wondered: did she do this on purpose, was it all just agame, an act?
His anger was real. It wasn't an act.
Synonyms: pretence, show, front, performance More Synonyms of act
11. countable noun
An Act is a law passed by the government.
...an Act of Parliament. [+ of]
Synonyms: law, bill, measure, resolution More Synonyms of act
12. countable noun
An act in a play, opera, or ballet is one of the main parts into which it is divided.
Act II contained one of the funniest scenes I have ever witnessed.
13. countable noun
An act in a show is a short performance which is one of several in the show.
This year numerous bands are playing, as well as comedy acts.
Synonyms: performance, show, turn, production More Synonyms of act
14.
See catch sb in the act
15.
See to clean up your act
16.
See get in on the act
17.
See in the act of
18.
See to get your act together
19. to act one's age
20. to act the fool
Phrasal verbs:
See act out
See act up
More Synonyms of act
act in British English
(ækt)
noun
1.
something done or performed; a deed
2.
the performance of some physical or mental process; action
3. (capital when part of a name)
the formally codified result of deliberation by a legislative body; a law, edict, decree, statute, etc
4. (often plural)
a formal written record of transactions, proceedings, etc, as of a society, committee, or legislative body
5.
a major division of a dramatic work
6.
a.
a short performance of skill, a comic sketch, dance, etc, esp one that is part of a programme of light entertainment
b.
those giving such a performance
7.
an assumed attitude or pose, esp one intended to impress
8. philosophy
an occurrence effected by the volition of a human agent, usually opposed at least as regards its explanation to one which is causally determined
Compare event (sense 4)
verb
9. (intransitive)
to do something; carry out an action
10. (intransitive)
to function in a specified way; operate; react
his mind acted quickly
11.
to perform (a part or role) in a play, etc
12. (transitive)
to present (a play, etc) on stage
13. (intr; usually foll by for or as)
to be a substitute (for); function in place (of)
14. (intransitive; foll byas)
to serve the function or purpose (of)
the glass acted as protection
15. (intransitive)
to conduct oneself or behave (as if one were)
she acts like a teenager
16. (intransitive)
to behave in an unnatural or affected way
17. (copula)
to pose as; play the part of
to act the fool
18. (copula)
to behave in a manner appropriate to (esp in the phrase act one's age)
19. (copula) not standard
to seem or pretend to be
to act tired
20. clean up one's act
21. get in on the act
22. get one's act together
Derived forms
actable (ˈactable)
adjective
actability (ˌactaˈbility)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Latin actus a doing, performance, and actum a thing done, from the past participle of agere to do
ACT in British English1
abbreviation for
1.
Australian Capital Territory
2.
(formerly in Britain) advance corporation tax
ACT in British English2
(ækt)
noun acronym for
(in New Zealand) Association of Consumers and Taxpayers: a small political party of the right
ACT in American English
American College Test
act in American English1
(ækt)
noun
1.
a thing done; deed
2.
an action; doing
caught in the act of stealing
3.
a decision (of a court, legislature, etc.); law; decree
4.
a document formally stating what has been done, made into law, etc.
5.
one of the main divisions of a drama or opera
6.
any of the separate performances on a variety program
7.
a show of feeling or behavior that is not sincere and is put on just for effect
verb transitive
8.
to play the part of
9.
to perform in (a play)
10.
to behave in a way suitable for
don't act the child
verb intransitive
11.
to perform in a play, film, etc.; play a role
12.
to behave as though playing a role
13.
to be suited to performance
said of a play or a role
14.
to behave; comport oneself
act like a lady
15.
to do something
we must act now to forestall disaster
16.
to serve or function
the fence acts as a barrier
17.
to serve as spokesman or substitute (for)
he's acting for the committee
18.
to have an effect
acids act on metal
19.
to appear to be
he acted very angry
Idioms:
act out
act up
clean up one's act
get one's act together
Word origin
ME < OFr acte < L actus, a doing or moving, actum, thing done, pp. of agere, to do < IE base *a-, to drive, do > Gr agein, to lead
act in American English2
active
More idioms containing
act
act the goat
a hard act to follow
get your act together
get in on the act
clean up your act
a class act
be caught in the act
a balancing act
read the riot act
Examples of 'act' in a sentence
act
So you can wait and act if surveillance shows that more aggressive intervention is needed.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The government needs to act now to avoid further compromising the health of patients.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We have got to have our act together when we get there.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This came about by one early act of diligence and a couple of strokes of good fortune.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
We were a double act yet also two very different people.
The Sun (2016)
The game's governing body has acted decisively.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Do not get me wrong, how a player acts during open play is vital.
The Sun (2016)
It's just that my act was caught on camera for the world to see.
The Sun (2016)
She is always well prepared, listens carefully to advice and acts thoughtfully upon it.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He also took up acting, he says, chuckling at the idea of it.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Their show is more of a circus act than a play.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
One acted as the bridge between what was and what was to be.
Christianity Today (2000)
He is a class act and just plays the game the right way.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Surely the government would not act in such a cynically hypocritical manner?
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Our strength comes from when we act together.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
The school said it was acting on police advice.
The Sun (2015)
What a balancing act this show is.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
One of his first acts was to set up an amnesty for players to make reports.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It was also an act of defiance.
The Times Literary Supplement (2013)
He is hot property in the acting game at the moment.
The Sun (2013)
Objects could be themselves and at the same time act a part.
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
They knew what was going on in their teams and could act if something bad was happening.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
There is no other government acting in this way.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Governments will not act on our behalf until we force them to do so.
George Monbiot THE AGE OF CONSENT (2003)
It is not like some one acting.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Something close to a comedy act.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Or is it just an act?
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Two decades earlier, plays had been acted in inn yards.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
In other languages
act
British English: act /ækt/ NOUN
An act is an action or thing that someone does.
...the act of reading.
American English: act
Arabic: فِعْل
Brazilian Portuguese: ato
Chinese: 动作
Croatian: čin
Czech: čin
Danish: handling
Dutch: handeling
European Spanish: acto acción
Finnish: teko
French: acte
German: Akt Handlung
Greek: πράξη
Italian: atto
Japanese: 行為
Korean: 행동
Norwegian: gjerning action
Polish: czyn
European Portuguese: ato
Romanian: faptă
Russian: действие
Latin American Spanish: acto acción
Swedish: handling
Thai: การกระทำ
Turkish: hareket
Ukrainian: дія
Vietnamese: hành động
British English: act /ækt/ VERB
take action When you act, you do something.
The police acted quickly to stop the fight.
American English: act
Arabic: يَفْعَلُ
Brazilian Portuguese: atuar
Chinese: 行动
Croatian: činiti
Czech: jednat
Danish: handle
Dutch: handelen
European Spanish: actuar interpretación
Finnish: toimia tietoisesti
French: agir
German: handeln
Greek: ενεργώ
Italian: agire
Japanese: 行動する
Korean: 행동하다
Norwegian: handle
Polish: działać
European Portuguese: atuar
Romanian: a acționa
Russian: действовать
Latin American Spanish: actuar
Swedish: handla agera
Thai: กระทำ
Turkish: harekete geçmek hareket
Ukrainian: діяти
Vietnamese: hành động
British English: act /ækt/ VERB
play a part If you act in a play or film, you pretend to be one of the people in it.
American English: act
Arabic: يـُمَثِّلُ
Brazilian Portuguese: atuar
Chinese: 表演
Croatian: glumiti
Czech: hrátve filmu
Danish: spille
Dutch: acteren
European Spanish: actuar
Finnish: näytellä
French: jouer
German: schauspielen
Greek: παίζω
Italian: recitare
Japanese: 演じる
Korean: 연기하다
Norwegian: spille
Polish: grać
European Portuguese: atuar
Romanian: a jucaun rol
Russian: играть роль
Latin American Spanish: actuar
Swedish: spela
Thai: แสดง
Turkish: rol
Ukrainian: грати роль
Vietnamese: diễn
Chinese translation of 'act'
act
(ækt)
vi
(= take action) 行动(動) (xíngdòng)
⇒ We have to act quickly.我们得立即行动起来。 (Wǒmen děi lìjí xíngdòng qǐlái.)
(= behave) 举(舉)止 (jǔzhǐ)
⇒ They were acting suspiciously.他们举止可疑。 (Tāmen jǔzhǐ kěyí.)
to act for or on behalf of sb[lawyer]代表某人行事 (dàibiǎo mǒurén xíngshì)
to act as sb/sth担(擔)任某职(職)务(務)/充当(當)某物 (dānrèn mǒu zhíwù/chōngdāng mǒuwù)
⇒ Mr. Tang acted as interpreter.唐先生担当口译工作。 (Táng xiānsheng dāndāng kǒuyì gōngzuò.)
(= work)[drug, chemical]见(見)效 (jiànxiào)
⇒ The drug acts swiftly, preventing liver damage.药物很快见效，保护肝脏免受伤害。 (Yàowù hěnkuài jiànxiào, bǎohù gānzàng miǎnshòu shānghài.)
(in play, film) 演戏(戲) (yǎnxì)
⇒ I was acting in a play in Edinburgh.我在爱丁堡演过一出戏。 (Wǒ zài Àidīngbǎo yǎnguo yī chū xì.)
(= pretend) 假装(裝) (jiǎzhuāng)
⇒ Ignore her, she's just acting.别理她，她只是假装的。 (Bié lǐ tā, tā zhǐshì jiǎzhuāng de.)
vt
(in play, film)[part, role]扮演 (bànyǎn)
⇒ I acted the part of Malvolio.我扮演了马尔瓦里奥这个角色。 (Wǒ bànyǎnle Mǎ'ěrwǎlǐ'ào zhège juésè.)
n(c)
(= action) 行动(動) (xíngdòng)
⇒ the act of reading阅读
it's (just or all) an act (= pretence) 这(這)(只)是做做样(樣)子 (zhè (zhǐ) shì zuòzùo yàngzi)
⇒ His anger was real. It wasn't an act.他真的生气了，并不是做做样子。 (Tā zhēnde shēngqì le, bìng bùshì zuòzuò yàngzi.)
(Theat)[of play, opera]幕 (mù)
[of performer]节(節)目 (jiémù) (个(個), gè)
⇒ a show consisting of songs and comedy acts一场由演唱和喜剧节目组成的演出 (yī chǎng yóu yǎnchàng hé xǐjù jiémù zǔchéng de yǎnchū)
(Law) 法令 (fǎlìng) (项, xiàng)
⇒ the 1944 Education Act1944年教育法令 (yī jiǔ sì sì nián jiàoyù fǎlìng)
acts of sabotage破坏(壞)行动(動) (pòhuài xíngdòng)
to act surprised/act the innocent装(裝)出惊(驚)讶(訝)/无(無)辜的样(樣)子 (zhuāngchū jīngyà/wúgū de yàngzi)
act of God (Law) 不可抗力 (bù kě kàng lì)
in the act of doing sth正在做某事时(時) (zhèngzài zuò mǒushì shí)
to catch sb in the act (of doing sth)当(當)场(場)捉住某人(做某事) (dāngchǎng zhuōzhù mǒurén (zuò mǒushì))
to get one's act together (inf) 有条(條)理地筹(籌)划(劃) (yǒu tiáolǐ de chóuhuà)
ACT
n abbr
(= American College Test) 美国(國)大学(學)入学(學)测(測)试(試) (Měiguó Dàxué Rùxué Cèshì)
All related terms of 'act'
act on
( advice, information ) 根据(據) ... 行动(動) gēnjù ... xíngdòng ⇒ The police are acting on information received last night. → 警察正根据昨晚收到的情报采取行动。 Jǐngchá zhèng gēnjù zuówǎn shōudào de qíngbào cǎiqǔ xíngdòng.
act out
( in play : event ) 将(將) ... 表演出来(來) jiāng ... biǎoyǎn chūlái ⇒ The students act out events from history. → 学生们将历史事件表演出来。 Xuéshēngmen jiāng lìshǐ shìjiàn biǎoyǎn chūlái.
act up
( car, TV etc ) 出故障 chū gùzhàng ⇒ The TV is acting up again. → 电视机又出故障了。 Diànshìjī yòu chū gùzhàng le.
act of God
( Law ) 不可抗力 bù kě kàng lì
it's (just or all) an act
( pretence ) 这(這)(只)是做做样(樣)子 zhè (zhǐ) shì zuòzùo yàngzi ⇒ His anger was real. It wasn't an act. → 他真的生气了，并不是做做样子。 Tā zhēnde shēngqì le, bìng bùshì zuòzuò yàngzi.
an act of aggression
侵犯行为(為) qīnfàn xíngwéi
an act of heroism
英雄行为(為) yīngxióng xíngwéi
an act of sabotage
破坏(壞)行为(為) pòhuài xíngwéi
to act as sb/sth
担(擔)任某职(職)务(務)/充当(當)某物 dānrèn mǒu zhíwù/chōngdāng mǒuwù ⇒ Mr. Tang acted as interpreter. → 唐先生担当口译工作。 Táng xiānsheng dāndāng kǒuyì gōngzuò.
to act on impulse
凭(憑)一时(時)冲(衝)动(動)行事 píng yīshí chōngdòng xíngshì
to act as a foil to
( fig ) 作 ... 的陪衬(襯) zuò ... de péichèn
to act as a deterrent
发(發)挥(揮)威慑(懾)作用 fāhuī wēishè zuòyòng
to act surprised/act the innocent
装(裝)出惊(驚)讶(訝)/无(無)辜的样(樣)子 zhuāngchū jīngyà/wúgū de yàngzi