react

[ree-akt]

verb (used without object)

1. to act in response to an agent or influence.

   How did the audience react to the speech?

2. to act reciprocally upon each other, as two things.

3. to act in a reverse direction or manner, especially so as to return to a prior condition.

4. to act in opposition, as against some force.

5. to respond to a stimulus in a particular manner.

   reacting to a shock by jumping; to react to the word “coward” with anger.

6. to undergo a chemical reaction.

react

/ rɪˈækt /

verb

1. (intr; foll by to, upon etc) (of a person or thing) to act in response to another person, a stimulus, etc, or (of two people or things) to act together in a certain way

2. to act in an opposing or contrary manner

3. (intr) physics to exert an equal force in the opposite direction to an acting force

4. chem to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction

Word History and Origins

Origin of react¹

First recorded in 1635–45; re- + act, probably modeled on Medieval Latin reagere

Word History and Origins

Origin of react¹

C17: from Late Latin reagere , from _re- + Latin agere to drive, do

Example Sentences

I’m just saying that even without a visiting Chief Executive–and speculation over how the NYC crowd will react, to the point the U.S.

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What makes the rivalry so fascinating from major to major is that these two champions are now reacting to each other’s styles in real time.

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Israel’s military didn’t specifically commit to stopping its attacks, but indicated it was moving to a more defensive posture, saying it would prepare for the release of the hostages and react quickly to any threat.

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New Delhi is reacting by moving closer to Russia and China.

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That may explains why bond traders reacted poorly, with yields on 20- and 30-year government bonds jumping.

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Related Words

• acknowledge 
• act 
• answer 
• behave 
• counter 
• feel 
• perform 
• proceed 
• reply 
• revert