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

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Etymology

Origin of direct action

First recorded in 1835–45

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

direct action

Jeff considers himself a "bit of Robin Hood mixed with anarchist direct action", only scrounging in more affluent neighbourhoods and giving away many of his finds.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

On that score, she decides it’s time for direct action.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 21, 2026

The findings suggest that authorities may eventually need to take more direct action to address pollution from certain wrecks.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 14, 2026

Bailey was also not above returning to the direct action tactics of his youth.

From BBC ● Aug. 19, 2026

That event marked the beginnings of King’s commitment to nonviolent direct action.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson

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