1. the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim. "he vowed to take tougher action against persistent offenders" synonyms: measures, steps, activity, movement, work, operation "the need for local community action" 2. a thing done; an act. "she frequently questioned his actions" synonyms: deed, act, move, undertaking, exploit, maneuver, endeavor, effort, exertion; behavior, conduct, activity "there can be no excuse for their actions"

special pleading Moving the goalposts to create exceptions when a claim is shown to be false. Edward Johns claimed to be psychic, but when his ‘abilities’ were tested under proper scientific conditions, they magically disappeared. Edward explained this saying that one had to have faith in his abilities for them to work.