Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition act in American English

act verb

verb
/ækt/
1

to do something for a particular reason or in a particular way

Example

We acted in good faith - we did not know the goods were stolen.

Example

She claims that she acted out of necessity (=because she had to).

Synonyms and related words
do perform act
1.1

to do something immediately, especially in order to deal with an urgent problem

Example

Had the paramedics not acted so swiftly, he would have died.

Example

We must act now to prevent further damage to our rainforests.

2

if you act for someone, you do something as their representative

Example

Lawyers acting for the family will issue a statement this morning.

Synonyms and related words
replace change renew
3

to behave in a particular way, especially a way that is unusual or annoying

Example

Stop acting stupid!

Example

I've acted like a total idiot.

Example

A man was seen acting suspiciously twenty minutes before the robbery.

Example

Just act as if nothing's happened.

Synonyms and related words
behave treat conform
3.1

to behave in a particular way by doing something

Example

Did the network act reasonably in firing the reporter?

Example

The court must establish whether the accused acted illegally.

Synonyms and related words
behave treat conform
4

to perform in plays or movies

Example

I've always wanted to act.

Example

Burt Lancaster acted the part of Joseph.

Synonyms and related words
act ad-lib costar
5

to start to have an effect

Example

Don't expect the medicine to act immediately.

Example

The experiment should show us how sugars act on the enamel of the teeth.

Synonyms and related words
affect shape impact
Definition act in American English

Related Words

Words related to act:

act (noun) act (verb) ACT () act as (phrasal verb) act of God (noun) act on (phrasal verb) act out (phrasal verb) act up (phrasal verb) act upon (phrasal verb) act your age (phrase) balancing act (noun) be a act to follow (phrase) be in the act of doing something (phrase) catch someone in the act (of doing something) (phrase) class act (noun) constructive manslaughter (noun) disappearing act (noun) get in on the act (phrase) get your act together (phrase) high-wire act (phrase) juggling act (noun) Patriot Act (noun) play/act dumb (phrase) the fool (phrase) read (someone) the riot act (phrase) speech act (noun) the ACT () the European Communities Act () the Freedom of Information Act () the Human Rights Act () the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (noun) the Stamp Act () the Trade Descriptions Act () unlawful act manslaughter (noun)