ACT ON • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Act on

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/ækt ɑn/ Listen

verb

Act v. i.

To exert power; to produce an effect; as, the stomach acts upon food.

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. "He hangs between, in doubt to act or rest."

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.

To perform on the stage; to represent a character. "To show the world how Garrick did not act."

To act as or To act for, to do the work of; to serve as.

To act on, to regulate one's conduct according to.

To act up to, to equal in action; to fulfill in practice; as, he has acted up to his engagement or his advantages.

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Etymology of 'Act on'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Act on" Quotes from Famous Books

... I can act on a message from my superior, I must surely satisfy myself as to the credentials of the messenger. However, let us hear the message. Perhaps that may tell us something. Some things bear on their faces the evidence of what they are—still more ...

— One Snowy Night - Long ago at Oxford • Emily Sarah Holt

... the truth, Jim was a trifle dazed. He didn't grapple the ins and outs of a conspiracy of Spanish miners just for the sake of a holiday. And as Toro couldn't wait (it was close on half-past two), Jim thought he might as well act on his advice. He liked to see the big buckets of ore swinging off into space from the mine level and making their fearful journey at a thrilling angle, down, down until, as mere specks, they reached the transport and washing department ...

— Adventures in Many Lands • Various

... ships and sailors stood out in brilliant relief against the somber background of the inefficiency of the army. The offensive was thought to be properly a matter for the land forces, which had vastly superior advantages against Canada, while the navy was compelled to act on the defensive against overwhelming odds. The truth is that the navy did amazingly well, though it could not prevent the enemy's squadrons from blockading American ports or raiding the coasts at will. A few single ship actions could not vitally influence the course of the war; ...

— The Fight for a Free Sea: A Chronicle of the War of 1812 - The Chronicles of America Series, Volume 17 • Ralph D. Paine

... assemble in large numbers, in gambols. My informant asserts that he saw once not less than fifty so engaged; hooting, screaming, and drumming with sticks upon old logs, which is done in the latter case with equal facility by the four extremities. They do not appear ever to act on the offensive, and seldom, if ever really, on the defensive. When about to be captured, they resist by throwing their arms about their opponent, and attempting to draw him into contact with their teeth." (Savage, ...

— Evidence as to Man's Place in Nature • Thomas H. Huxley

... preceding evening, and repeated in the morning; and, soon after the British rear had moved from its ground, prepared to attack it. General Dickenson had been directed to detach some of his best troops, to take such a position as to co-operate with him; and Morgan was ordered to act on ...

— The Life of George Washington, Vol. 3 (of 5) • John Marshall

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