1. Something that people do or cause to happen
   "Voting is an act that can shape society";
   - deed, human action, human activity
    
2. (law) a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee, society or legislative body
   "The Clean Air Act was passed to reduce pollution";
   - enactment
    
3. A subdivision of a play, opera or ballet
   "The first act ended with a dramatic cliffhanger"
    
4. A short performance that is part of a longer program
   "he did his act three times every evening";
   - routine, number, turn, bit
    
5. A manifestation of insincerity
   "he put on quite an act for her benefit"

1. Perform an action; do something
   "think before you act"; "The governor should act on the new energy bill"; "The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel";
   - move
    
2. Show a certain behaviour; conduct or comport oneself
   "You should act like an adult"; "The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people";
   - behave, do, acquit, bear, deport, conduct, comport, carry
    
3. Perform a role or part
   "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role";
   - play, represent
    
4. Discharge one's duties
   "She acts as the chair"; "In what capacity are you acting?"
    
5. Pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
   "He acted the idiot";
   - play, act as
    
6. Behave unnaturally or affectedly
   "She's just acting";
   - dissemble, pretend
    
7. Perform on a stage or theatre
   "She acts in this play"; "He acted in ‘Julius Caesar’";
   - play, playact
    
8. Be suitable for theatrical performance
   "This scene acts well"
    
9. Have a desired or expected effect or outcome
   "The breaks of my new car act quickly";
   - work

Derived forms: acting, acts, acted

See also: act up, influence, pursue

Type of: be, bring home the bacon [informal], come through, come up trumps [Brit, informal], deliver the goods, dramatic composition, dramatic work, event, exist, expression, instrument, legal document, legal instrument, manifestation, official document, perform, performance, public presentation, recreate, re-create, reflection, reflexion [Brit], serve, succeed, turn up trumps [Brit, informal], win

Antonym: forbear

Part of: ballet, concert dance, drama, dramatic play, opera, play, stage play, stageplay

Encyclopedia: Act, Manya!