act on
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To act decisively on the basis of information received or deduced.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The policeman decided to act on the tip from his informant.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To act accordingly to a (usually sublimated) desire or impulse.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To take action against something.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “act on” mean?
To act decisively on the basis of information received or deduced.
Is “act on” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.