overt act

noun | \ ō-ˈvərt-, ˈō-ˌvərt- \

1. : an act directed toward another person that indicates an intent to kill or harm and that justifies self-defense

2. : an outward act that is done in furtherance of a conspiracy, of treason, or of the crime of attempt and that is usually a required element of such crimes for conviction even if it is legal in itself