What term is defined as any action on a body that tends to change its size, shape, or state of motion?

The term that is defined as any action on a body that tends to change its size, shape, or state of motion is 'force.' In physics, force is understood as an interaction that, when unopposed, will change the motion of an object. This can involve starting an object moving, stopping it, changing its direction, or altering its shape.

For instance, if you push a stationary object, the applied force can cause it to move. If you apply enough force to stretch a rubber band, it will change its shape. This versatility in effect—whether it's causing motion or deformation—is fundamental to the definition of force.

The other terms, although they relate to physics, do not encompass the broad effects that force has. Displacement specifically refers to the change in position of an object, acceleration deals with the change in velocity over time, and volume pertains to the amount of space that an object occupies. None of these terms encapsulate the influence of force in the same way that it does, making 'force' the accurate choice in this context.