direct action

American  

noun

1. any action seeking to achieve an immediate or direct result, especially an action against an established authority or powerful institution, as a strike or picketing.

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direct action British  

noun

1. action such as strikes or civil disobedience, employed by organized labour or other groups to obtain demands from an employer, government, etc

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Other Word Forms

• direct actionist noun

Etymology

Origin of direct action

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

The community, composed of residents living in caravans and temporary structures, holds regular anti-nuclear demonstrations, vigils, and direct actions against nuclear weapons.

From BBC

So far, Willem’s position as a minister had prevented direct action against him and Tine, but he was watched, he said, more closely than ever.

From Literature

The group had gathered at the Quaker Meeting House in Westminster for what was billed as "nonviolent direct action training".

From BBC

"We really need to take direct action against some of the individuals in the UK, the ambassador again needs to be called in."

From BBC

“People find direct action so un-British, so when it happens they are so surprised, despite the fact that our whole history is built on it,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal