react
[ ree-akt ]
/ riˈækt /
Save This Word!
verb (used without object)
to act in response to an agent or influence: How did the audience react to the speech?
to act reciprocally upon each other, as two things.
to act in a reverse direction or manner, especially so as to return to a prior condition.
to act in opposition, as against some force.
to respond to a stimulus in a particular manner: reacting to a shock by jumping; to react to the word “coward” with anger.
to undergo a chemical reaction.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Words nearby react
Definition for react (2 of 2)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for react
British Dictionary definitions for react (1 of 2)
react
/ (rɪˈækt) /
verb
(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
(intr foll by against) to act in an opposing or contrary manner
(intr) physics to exert an equal force in the opposite direction to an acting force
chem to undergo or cause to undergo a chemical reaction
Word Origin for react
C17: from Late Latin reagere, from re- + Latin agere to drive, do
British Dictionary definitions for react (2 of 2)
re-act
/ (riːˈækt) /
verb
(tr) to act or perform again
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for react
react
[ rē-ăkt′ ]
v.
To act in response to a stimulus.
To undergo a chemical reaction.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.