noun
a protest action by labor or minority groups to obtain their demands
• Hyponyms: ↑civil disobedience, ↑job action, ↑passive resistance, ↑nonviolent resistance, ↑nonviolence, ↑recusancy
* * *
the use of strikes, protests, etc. instead of discussion in order to get what you want
•
Environmental groups are threatening direct action if plans for the new road go ahead.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.