verb
react
To respond to something or undergo a chemical change.
The dog reacts to the doorbell by running to the door.
Etymology
The prefix means back, and act supplies action. Reacting is acting back in response to an influence, extended to substances responding through chemical change.
More examples
- How did she react to the news?
- Vinegar reacts with baking soda to release a gas.
- My skin reacts badly to this soap.
Forms
react · reacts · reacted · reacting
reaction noun — A response or a chemical change.
reactive adjective — Tending to respond readily to stimuli.