act

a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body

something that people do or cause to happen

a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet

a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program; "he did his act three times every evening"; "she had a catchy little routine"; "it was one of the best numbers he ever did"

a manifestation of insincerity; "he put on quite an act for her benefit"

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action); "think before you act"; "We must move quickly"; "The governor should act on the new energy bill"; "The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel"

behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself; "You should act like an adult"; "Don't behave like a fool"; "What makes her do this way?"; "The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people"

play a role or part; "Gielgud played Hamlet"; "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role"; "She played the servant to her husband's master"

discharge one's duties; "She acts as the chair"; "In what capacity are you acting?"

pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind; "He acted the idiot"; "She plays deaf when the news are bad"

be suitable for theatrical performance; "This scene acts well"

have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected; "The voting process doesn't work as well as people thought"; "How does your idea work in practice?"; "This method doesn't work"; "The breaks of my new car act quickly"; "The medicine works only if you take it with a lot of water"

be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure

behave unnaturally or affectedly; "She's just acting"

perform on a stage or theater; "She acts in this play"; "He acted in `Julius Caesar'"; "I played in `A Christmas Carol'"