from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Act \Act\, v. i.
1. To exert power; to produce an effect; as, the stomach acts
upon food.
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2. To perform actions; to fulfill functions; to put forth
energy; to move, as opposed to remaining at rest; to carry
into effect a determination of the will.
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He hangs between, in doubt to act or rest. --Pope.
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3. To behave or conduct, as in morals, private duties, or
public offices; to bear or deport one's self; as, we know
not why he has acted so.
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4. To perform on the stage; to represent a character.
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To show the world how Garrick did not act. --Cowper.
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{To act as} or {To act for}, to do the work of; to serve as.
{To act on}, to regulate one's conduct according to.
{To act up to}, to equal in action; to fulfill in practice;
as, he has acted up to his engagement or his advantages.
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