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View synonyms for react

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. intrfoll byagainst 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
“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


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Word History and Origins

Origin of react1

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

Origin of react1

C17: from Late Latin reagere , from re- + Latin agere to drive, do
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Example Sentences

“Radiation forms free radicals on the surface, and they react with oxygen inside the space station, creating a metallic smell,” she says.

From BBC

In addition to interviewing Manson’s former followers, friends and journalists, the filmmakers have subjects listen and react to these recordings of Manson, who recounts his upbringing, his thoughts about life with his commune and more.

Balls would travel fewer yards but give the receiver less time to react and prepare his return.

From BBC

With the double world champions South Africa rolling into town next week, how Borthwick and England react will be critical.

From BBC

They would blow a bit of grass near the car or give us some dust so the crew and the actors had something to react to.

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