1. chemical reaction, reaction

(chemistry) a process in which one or more substances are changed into others

Example Sentences:
'there was a chemical reaction of the lime with the ground water'

• chemical reaction

2. reaction

an idea evoked by some experience

Example Sentences:
'his reaction to the news was to start planning what to do'

3. reaction, response

a bodily process occurring due to the effect of some antecedent stimulus or agent

Example Sentences:
'a bad reaction to the medicine'
'his responses have slowed with age'

• response

4. reaction

(mechanics) the equal and opposite force that is produced when any force is applied to a body

Example Sentences:
'every action has an equal and opposite reaction'

5. reaction

a response that reveals a person's feelings or attitude

Example Sentences:
'he was pleased by the audience's reaction to his performance'
'John feared his mother's reaction when she saw the broken lamp'

6. reaction

extreme conservatism in political or social matters

Example Sentences:
'the forces of reaction carried the election'

7. reaction

doing something in opposition to another way of doing it that you don't like

Example Sentences:
'his style of painting was a reaction against cubism'