reaction
ree-AK-shuhn
Reaction (noun) means a response, in words, feelings, or actions, to something that has happened. Example: “His first reaction was disbelief.”
noun
1
A response, in words, feelings, or actions, to something that has happened.
"His first reaction was disbelief."
"The audience's reaction to the film was mixed."
"Her reaction to the surprise gift was pure delight."
2
A chemical process in which substances combine or break down to form new substances.
"The reaction produced heat and a bright flash of light."
"Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes a fizzing reaction in the bowl."
"Rust forms through a slow reaction between iron, water and oxygen."
3
Political resistance to change, favouring a return to older or more traditional arrangements.
"The revolution provoked a wave of reaction among conservatives."
"Historians describe the years after the uprising as a period of reaction against reform."
"The king's return brought a strong reaction that undid many earlier changes."
How to use reaction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA response to an event — emotional, chemical, or political depending on context.
Common pairings
gut reaction
chemical reaction
mixed reaction
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Word forms
- Plural
- reactions
Fill the gap
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His first _____ was disbelief.
Etymology
From Latin reactio, built from re- ("again") and agere ("to do, to act").
Related words
Rhymes for reaction
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for reaction →
Frequently asked questions
What does “reaction” mean?
The word “reaction” means a response, in words, feelings, or actions, to something that has happened. In plain terms, a response to an event — emotional, chemical, or political depending on context.
How do you pronounce “reaction”?
“Reaction” is pronounced ree-AK-shuhn (/ɹiˈækʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “reaction” in a sentence?
Here is “reaction” used in a sentence: “His first reaction was disbelief.”
What is another word for “reaction”?
Words with a similar meaning to “reaction” include reax and rxn.
What part of speech is “reaction”?
“Reaction” is a noun.
Where does the word “reaction” come from?
The word “reaction” comes from Latin. From Latin reactio, built from re- ("again") and agere ("to do, to act").
Is “reaction” a common word?
“Reaction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “reaction” have?
“Reaction” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a response, in words, feelings, or actions, to something that has happened.
What is the difference between a reaction and a response?
A reaction is immediate and instinctive — it happens almost automatically, often driven by emotion, before you have time to think. A response is more considered and deliberate, chosen after reflection. Snapping back in anger is a reaction; pausing and replying calmly is a response. The difference is largely one of control.
What are the types of reactions?
In everyday use, reactions can be emotional, such as fear or delight, verbal, such as a comment or reply, or physical, such as flinching or applauding. The word also has specialised senses — a chemical reaction between substances, or an allergic reaction in the body — but all share the idea of a response to something that has happened.
What is an example of a reaction?
If someone shares surprising news and you gasp, that gasp is your reaction. Laughing at a joke, jumping at a loud bang, or firing off an angry reply are all reactions — each one an immediate response in feeling, words, or action to something that has just happened.
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