noun
action
A case brought before a court.
The company brings an action against the contractor.
Etymology
Latin agere meant to do and also to conduct legal proceedings. An action preserves that legal application: it is a proceeding undertaken to bring a claim before a court.
More examples
- The court dismissed the action.
- Several legal actions followed the dispute.
- She considered whether to file an action.
Forms
action · actions
Similar words
- lawsuit
- The more explicit name for a civil legal case.
- proceeding
- Broader; includes legal processes other than a lawsuit.