behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself; "You should act like an adult"; "Don't behave like a fool"; "What makes her do this way?"; "The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people"
a short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program;
pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind; "He acted the idiot"; "She plays deaf when the news are bad"
a subdivision of a play or opera or ballet
discharge one's duties; "She acts as the chair"; "In what capacity are you acting?"
a manifestation of insincerity; "he put on quite an act for her benefit"
play a role or part; "Gielgud played Hamlet"; "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role"; "She played the servant to her husband's master"
perform on a stage or theater; "She acts in this play"; "He acted in `Julius Caesar'"; "I played in `A Christmas Carol'"