Definitions for the word "act" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
That which is done or doing; the exercise of power, or the effect, of which power exerted is the cause; a performance; a deed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
The result of public deliberation; the decision or determination of a legislative body, council, court of justice, etc.; a decree, edit, law, judgment, resolve, award; as, an act of Parliament, or of Congress.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
A formal solemn writing, expressing that something has been done.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
A performance of part of a play; one of the principal divisions of a play or dramatic work in which a certain definite part of the action is completed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A thesis maintained in public, in some English universities, by a candidate for a degree, or to show the proficiency of a student.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A state of reality or real existence as opposed to a possibility or possible existence.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
Process of doing; action. In act, in the very doing; on the point of (doing).
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
To move to action; to actuate; to animate.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. t.
To perform; to execute; to do.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. t.
To perform, as an actor; to represent dramatically on the stage.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. t.
To assume the office or character of; to play; to personate; as, to act the hero.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. t.
To feign or counterfeit; to simulate.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. v. i.
To exert power; to produce an effect; as, the stomach acts upon food.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. v. i.
To perform actions; to fulfill functions; to put forth energy; to move, as opposed to remaining at rest; to carry into effect a determination of the will.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. v. i.
To behave or conduct, as in morals, private duties, or public offices; to bear or deport one's self; as, we know not why he has acted so.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. v. i.
To perform on the stage; to represent a character.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. n.
1 something done; a deed. 2 process of doing (caught in the act). 3 item of entertainment. 4 pretence (all an act). 5 main division of a play etc. 6 a decree of a legislative body. B document attesting a legal transaction. v. 1 behave (acted wisely). 2 perform an action or function; take action (act as referee; brakes failed to act; he acted quickly). 3 (also foll. By on) have an effect (alcohol acts on the brain). 4 a perform a part in a play, film, etc. B pretend. 5 a play the part of (acted othello; acts the fool). B perform (a play etc.). C portray (an incident) by actions. act for be the (esp. Legal) representative of. Act of god natural event, e.g. An earthquake. Act up colloq. Misbehave; give trouble (car is acting up). Get one''s act together slang become properly organized; prepare. Put on an act colloq. Make a pretence. [latin ago act- do]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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