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direct action
noun
: action that seeks to achieve an end directly and by the most immediately effective means (such as a boycott or strike)
Examples of direct action in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As our colleague Monica Potts wrote last week, taking direct action on the economy is a challenge for presidents.
—Mary Radcliffe, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2025
Several replies praised the user for taking such direct action against someone who was rude to them.
—Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 27 Dec. 2024
The projectiles marked the first direct action by Hezbollah against Israeli forces since the 60-day ceasefire began last Wednesday.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
Their tactics included direct action, protests, and community education.
—Banseka Kayembe, refinery29.com, 22 Aug. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1912, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near direct action
Cite this Entry
“Direct action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direct%20action. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
Legal Definition
direct action
noun1
: an action in which the plaintiff sues a person's insurer without first obtaining a judgment against the insured or joining the insured
2
: a suit by a shareholder for an injury to himself or herself independent from any injury to the corporation
called also individual action
compare derivative actionMore from Merriam-Webster on direct action
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about direct action
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