English Phrase of the Day

act on

Definitions

English > English
act on
1. v. To act decisively on the basis of information received or deduced.
The policeman decided to act on the tip from his informant.
2. v. To take action against something.
World leaders have repeatedly stated that we must act on climate change.
3. v. (medicine) To affect something.
Different drugs act on different parts of our body in many different ways.
Analysis
act
1. n. Something done, a deed.
an act of goodwill
2. n. (obsolete) Actuality.
3. n. A product of a legislative body, a statute.
4. n. The process of doing something.
on
1. adj. In the state of being active, functioning or operating.
2. adj. Performing according to schedule.
Are we still on for tonight?
Is the show still on?
3. adj. (chiefly UK, informal, usually negative) Acceptable, appropriate.

Example Sentences

You are rightly troubled about the child, have faith in your own judgment and the courage to act on it.

Where these zones already exist police in the area wash their hands of it and refuse to act on complaints of violence.

The national probation service is blamed for failing to act on the policy issues arising in the case.

You may have some preference issues, but until you act on them, in this church and I am sure in most rational Protestant denominations you are free from any major sin.

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