act
noun
a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
Synonymsenactmentsomething that people do or cause to happen
a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet
a short performance that is part of a longer program
“he did his act three times every evening”
“she had a catchy little routine”
a manifestation of insincerity
“he put on quite an act for her benefit”
verb
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
“think before you act”
“We must move quickly”
SynonymsmoveOppositesrefrainbehave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
“You should act like an adult”
“Don't behave like a fool”
play a role or part
“Gielgud played Hamlet”
“She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role”
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?”
Synonymsworkbe 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'”
Source: WordNet 3.1, Princeton University