react - Definition & Meaning | Lingo Dictionary

act

Third Person

reacts

Present Participle

reacting

Past Tense

reacted

Past Participle

reacted

to act or behave in a particular way in response to something

transitive

The political leader had to react promptly to the evolving situation, addressing concerns and making policy adjustments.
The athlete trained to react instantly to the coach's signals, making split-second decisions during the game.
In a negotiation, it's crucial to react strategically to the other party's proposals.
Drivers must be prepared to react to sudden changes in traffic conditions to avoid accidents on the road.
The security team is trained to react decisively to potential threats.

Synonyms:

(physics) to be subject to physical or chemical change

When sodium reacts with water, it produces sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas as byproducts.
The iron in the nail reacts with oxygen in the air, forming rust over time.
In a combustion reaction, hydrocarbons react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.
When acids react with bases, they form water and salts as part of a neutralization reaction.
During cellular respiration, glucose and oxygen react to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy.

to show a hostile response to an opposing action

The citizens decided to react against the proposed tax increase by organizing a protest.
The workers' union announced plans to react against the unfair labor practices of the company.
The public reacted strongly against the government's decision to cut funding for education.
The opposition party urged citizens to react against the government's authoritarian measures.

Synonyms:

(physics) to cause a substance to change by interacting with other substances

transitive

In the experiment, sodium hydroxide will be reacted with hydrochloric acid to form a salt and water.
To produce the desired compound, the organic solvents will be reacted with the reagents under controlled conditions.
We reacted the metal with hydrochloric acid to observe the resulting chemical reaction.
In the new process, we will react ammonia with oxygen to produce the desired compound.
We have reacted the precursor compounds with specific reagents to yield the active pharmaceutical ingredient.

to have an adverse reaction to something particular such as food, smell, etc., particularly one that causes illness

Certain individuals may react negatively to strong perfumes, experiencing headaches or respiratory discomfort.
People with lactose intolerance may react after consuming dairy products.
Those with pollen allergies may react during the spring months when the pollen count is high.
Some individuals react to certain food additives, causing allergic reactions or intolerance symptoms.
He always brings an epinephrine pen with him in case he accidentally ingests nuts and reacts to them.