To begin doing something or become active suddenly and very quickly.

Physical movement performed in order to avoid a collision with something (such as a vehicle or missile).

(religion) Α sacramental sermon in the Scots Presbyterian Church.

plural of man of action

(US, slang, derogatory, ethnic slur) Affirmative action that disproportionately benefits only black people.

(military) An offensive action by a rearguard. / (figuratively) A desperate attempt to forestall the inevitable.

(sociology) Is an act which takes into account the actions and reactions of individuals or "agents". Associated with Max Weber.

(political science, sociology) Any theory that centres its gaze, analysis, and interpretation around human action. E.g. rational choice theory, phenomenology, etc.

(law enforcement, criminal law, UK, Malaysia) A potential formal outcome for a suspect from a police investigation, indicating that no action will be taken.

Alternative form of man of action