act*/*/*/

[ækt] noun I

1) [C] a single thing that someone does

an act of violence against innocent people[/ex]

a simple act of kindness[/ex]

groups committing criminal acts[/ex]

2) [singular] a way of behaving that is not sincere

She isn't really upset: it's all an act.[/ex]

3) [C] a short performance

Her act includes singing and dancing.[/ex]

4) [C] a person or group who performs on stage

They're one of rock music's most exciting live acts.[/ex]

5) [C] one of the major divisions of a play, opera, or BALLET

6) [C] a law

the Data Protection Act[/ex]

an act of Parliament[/ex]

•

act of God — something bad such as a flood that people cannot control because it is produced by natural forces[/ex]

be a hard/tough act to follow — informal to do something so well that it is hard for other people to be as good as you[/ex]

get your act together — informal to organize your life or work in a better way[/ex]

get in on the act — informal to take part in an activity in order to gain the same advantages as other people[/ex]

II

verb

act */*/*/[ækt]

1) [I] to do something

Now is the time to act.[/ex]

I'm acting on the advice of my doctor.[/ex]

She claims that she acted out of necessity (= because she had to).[/ex]

2) [I] to behave in a particular way

He's been acting strangely all day.[/ex]

Despite her problems, she acted as if nothing was wrong.[/ex]

3) [I/T] to perform in plays or films

I've always wanted to act.[/ex]

Philip Schofield acted the part of Joseph.[/ex]

4) [I] to do the job of a particular kind of person

You speak Greek – will you act as our interpreter?[/ex]

5) [I] to have a particular effect

Don't expect the medicine to act immediately.[/ex]

The measures are intended to act as a deterrent to criminals.[/ex]

•

- act sth out

- act up