/ˈækʃn ||; ˈækʃən/noun1 [U] doing things, often for a particular purpose 行动；动作: Now is the time for action. 现在是该采取行动的时候了。If we don't take action quickly it'll be too late! 我们要赶快采取行动，要不就晚了！ [OPP] inaction 反义词为 inaction
2 [C] something that you do 所做的事: The doctor's quick action saved the child's life. 医生的果断行动救了孩子一命。They should be judged by their actions, not by what they say. 应该根据他们的行为而不是他们所说的话来判断他们。 ☞Look at the note at act ². 参看act^2的注释。
3 [sing] the most important events in a story or play 情节；剧情: The action takes place in London during the Second World War. 故事发生在第二次世界大战时的伦敦。
4 [U] exciting things that happen 令人兴奋的事: There's not much action in this boring town. 这个乏味的镇上没有多少令人兴奋的事。I like films with lots of action. 我喜欢有许多刺激场面的影片。an action-packedfilm 情节曲折的电影
5 [U] fighting in a war 战斗: Their son was killed in action. 他们的儿子阵亡了。
6 [sing] the effect that one substance has on another （一物对另一物的）作用: They're studying the action of alcohol onthe brain. 他们在研究酒精对脑部的影响。
7 [C,U] the process of settling an argument in a court of law 诉讼: He is going to take legal action against the hospital. 他要对医院提出诉讼。
in action in operation; while working or doing sth 行动中；正在工作或做某事:
We shall have a chance to see their new team in action next week. 我们下星期有机会见到他们的新阵容如何运作。 into action into operation 实行；开始运作:
We'll put the plan into action immediately. 我们立即将计划付诸实行。 out of action not able to do the usual things; not working 失去作用；不能如常操作:
The coffee machine's out of action again. 咖啡机又坏了。