act
verb
do sth/behave
ADV. at once, immediately, promptly, quickly, swiftly The government must act promptly to change this law.| correctly, legally, properly | illegally, improperly, unconstitutionally, unlawfully, wrongly | reasonably, responsibly, sensibly, wisely | dishonestly, dishonourably, unreasonably | oddly, strangely, suspiciously Jenny has been acting rather strangely recently.| bravely | decisively | effectively | in good faith His defence was that he had acted in good faith.| in self defence The jury accepted that he had acted in self defence.| accordingly George knew about the letter and acted accordingly.
PREP. against The government needs to act against the sale of these dangerous toys.| for/on behalf of sb His solicitors are continuing to act for him.| like Stop acting like a spoilt child. hormones in the brain that act like natural painkillers| on Alcohol acts quickly on the brain.| out of I suspected that he was acting out of malice.
PHRASES act in sb's best interests We are all acting in the best interests of the children.
perform in play/film
ADV. brilliantly, well | badly
