act

act

act¹ [akt]

n.

[ME < OFr acte < L actus, a doing or moving, actum, thing done, pp. of agere, to do < IE base * ag̑-, to drive, do > Gr agein, to lead]

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

vt.

[ME acten < L actus: see ACT¹ the n.]

1. to play the part of

2. to perform in (a play)

3. to behave in a way suitable for [don't act the child]

vi.

1. to perform in a play, film, etc.; play a role

2. to behave as though playing a role

3. to be suited to performance: said of a play or a role

4. to behave; comport oneself [act like a lady]

5. to do something [we must act now to forestall disaster]

6. to serve or function [the fence acts as a barrier]

7. to serve as spokesman or substitute (for) [he's acting for the committee]

8. to have an effect [acids act on metal]

9. to appear to be [he acted very angry]

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act out

Psychiatry to behave in a way that unconsciously expresses (feelings that were repressed in an earlier situation)

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☆ act up Informal

1. to be playful

2. to misbehave

3. to become inflamed, painful, etc.

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☆ clean up one's act

Informal to reform one's conduct, improve one's practices, etc.

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☆ get one's act together

Informal to organize one's ideas, procedures, etc. so as to function more effectively

act²

abbrev.

active