n.

1. a legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body;
   enactment
2. something that people do or cause to happen;
   human action, human activity
3. a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet
4. a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program;
   routine, number, turn, bit
   
   • he did his act three times every evening
   • she had a catchy little routine
   • it was one of the best numbers he ever did
5. a manifestation of insincerity
   
   • he put on quite an act for her benefit

v.

1. perform an action, or work out or perform (an action);
   move
   
   • think before you act
   • We must move quickly
   • The governor should act on the new energy bill
   • The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel
2. behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself;
   behave, do
   
   • You should act like an adult
   • Don't behave like a fool
   • What makes her do this way?
   • The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people
3. play a role or part;
   play, represent
   
   • Gielgud played Hamlet
   • She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role
   • She played the servant to her husband's master
4. discharge one's duties
   
   • She acts as the chair
   • In what capacity are you acting?
5. pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind;
   play, act as
   
   • He acted the idiot
   • She plays deaf when the news are bad
6. be suitable for theatrical performance
   
   • This scene acts well
7. have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected;
   work
   
   • The voting process doesn't work as well as people thought
   • How does your idea work in practice?
   • This method doesn't work
   • The breaks of my new car act quickly
   • The medicine works only if you take it with a lot of water
8. be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
9. behave unnaturally or affectedly;
   dissemble, pretend
   
   • She's just acting
10. perform on a stage or theater;
    play, roleplay, playact
    
    • She acts in this play
    • He acted in `Julius Caesar'
    • I played in `A Christmas Carol'