direct action

noun

: action that seeks to achieve an end directly and by the most immediately effective means (such as a boycott or strike)

Examples of direct action in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Palestine Action is a pro-Palestinian direct action group that was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government in July 2025. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026 Authors, actors, and musicians are standing with Sally Rooney after it was determined the author’s books could not be sold in the UK due to her support of Palestine Action, a direct action group. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2026 The white paper also revealed that the industry is transitioning from pure decision support to direct action. — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 Grammatically speaking, transitivity is noncontingent, referencing the direct action of a subject on an object. — Jeffrey Weiss, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for direct action

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of direct action was in 1912

Rhymes for direct action

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Browse Nearby Words

direct-acting
direct action
direct air capture
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Cite this Entry

“Direct action.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direct%20action. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

direct action

noun
1
: an action in which the plaintiff sues a person's insurer without first obtaining a judgment against the insured or joining the insured
2
: a suit by a shareholder for an injury to himself or herself independent from any injury to the corporation

called also individual action

compare derivative action

More from Merriam-Webster on direct action

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about direct action

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