a thing done: DEED. the accomplishment of a thing usually over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition. actions plural: BEHAVIOR, CONDUCT. INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE. an act of will. the bringing about of an alteration by force or through a natural agency. the manner or method of performing: an actor's or speaker's deportment or expression by means of attitude, voice, and gesture - the style of movement of the feet and legs (as of a horse) - a function of the body or one of its parts. the initiating of a proceeding in a court of justice by which one demands or enforces one's right. an engagement between troops or ships. combat in war. an event or series of events forming a literary composition. the unfolding of the events of a drama or work of fiction: PLOT. the movement of incidents in a plot. the combination of circumstances that constitute the subject matter of a painting or sculpture. an operating mechanism. the manner in which a mechanism or instrument operates. the degree of resistance of a musical instrument to being played. the price movement and trading volume of a commodity, security, or market. the process of betting including the offering and acceptance of a bet and determination of a winner. financial gain or an opportunity for financial gain. sexual activity. the most vigorous, productive, or exciting activity in a particular field, area, or group. used as a director's command to start filming part of a movie or television show. spin or rotation given to a ball or puck by throwing or hitting it in a particular way.