interaction
Americannoun
-
reciprocal action, effect, or influence.
-
Physics.
-
the direct effect that one kind of particle has on another, in particular, in inducing the emission or absorption of one particle by another.
-
the mathematical expression that specifies the nature and strength of this effect.
-
noun
-
a mutual or reciprocal action or influence
-
physics the transfer of energy between elementary particles, between a particle and a field, or between fields See strong interaction electromagnetic interaction fundamental interaction gravitational interaction weak interaction electroweak interaction
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of interaction
Explanation
If you interact with someone — by talking, looking, sharing, or engaging in any kind of action that involves the two of you — you can be said to have had an interaction with that person. Interaction comes from Latin inter meaning "between," and ago meaning "to do" or "to act" — any “action between” is considered an interaction, like the interaction between a teacher and a student, two countries, or even baking soda and vinegar (boom!).
Vocabulary lists containing interaction
Power Prefix: inter-
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Common Core Grade 6, List 1
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Common Core Grades 7–8, List 2
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A retirement business offers entrepreneurs control, educational benefits and social interaction.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 13, 2026
AI companions can provide a nonjudgmental and emotionally responsive interaction that may feel easier or safer than human relationships.
From Science Daily • May 11, 2026
"By going over to that digital thing, you sometimes lose a little bit of that human interaction," he feels.
From BBC • May 11, 2026
But the president’s graphic interaction with schoolchildren should move the needle.
From Salon • May 8, 2026
It was the clumsiest production of physical interaction; the whole thing lasted no more than several seconds.
From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
