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

These grassroots efforts mobilize communities, raise consciousness, and push for stronger regulations through direct action, offering an alternative form of political participation that complements voting but doesn’t depend entirely on state mediation. —Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 4 Nov. 2024

Much like his success building houses in Muara Angke, Prabowo wants to sidestep Indonesia’s Kafkaesque bureaucracy with direct action. —Charlie Campbell / Jakarta, TIME, 14 Oct. 2024

Environmental justice movement building, public education, and direct action are all vital in holding the state accountable and pushing for justice, sovereignty, and autonomy. —Aissa Dearing, JSTOR Daily, 4 Nov. 2024

In contrast to his predecessor’s grandiose plans to host marquee events like Formula 1 racing or the Olympics, Prabowo prioritizes direct action that immediately improves lives. —Charlie Campbell / Jakarta, TIME, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

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