Act — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

a performance regularly presented by an individual or group

"in his nightclub act he impersonates a veritable galaxy of movie stars"

a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive

"was putting on an act when she said she didn't mind being left out of the outing"

a rule of conduct or action laid down by a governing authority and especially a legislature

"the Americans with Disabilities Act requires public buildings to have wheelchair access"

something done by someone

"it's acts such as this—lying about having to work late—that make me feel like I can't trust you"

to present a portrayal or performance of

"a local student acted the part of Tiny Tim in our theater company's production of A Christmas Carol"

to produce a desired effect

"the painkiller acted surprisingly quickly"

to give the impression of being

"always acting helpless, just to get attention"

to have a certain purpose

"the tail feathers of woodpeckers act as props while the birds excavate tree trunks for insects"

to present a false appearance of

"if you act confident long enough, you'll begin to actually feel it"

to pretend to be (what one is not) in appearance or behavior

"someone who is willing to act the helpless little thing when she wants attention"