Crossword Genius

Lecturer, appeased after late start, took action (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

litigated

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'took action' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for litigated that I've seen before include "Took legal action" , "Went to court" .)

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