act as act as /ækt ˈæz/

verb

1. () Function as or act like  ( act as )
   function as or act like
    This heap of stones will act as a barrier
   This heap of stones will act as a barrier
   
2. Pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind  ( act as , act , play )
   pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind
    He acted the idiot
   He acted the idiot
    She plays deaf when the news are bad
   She plays deaf when the news are bad