The term 'action-centered' is a compound word formed from 'action' and 'centered'. 'Action' originates from Latin 'actio', meaning 'a doing, a driving force', and 'centered' comes from the word 'center', which has roots in Greek 'kentron', meaning 'sharp point, stationary point of a compass'.

The word 'action' evolved from Latin 'actio' through Old French 'accion' to Middle English 'accion', while 'centered' developed from Middle English 'centre', influenced by Old French 'centre'.

Initially, 'action' referred to 'a doing or driving force', and 'centered' meant 'having a center'. The compound 'action-centered' evolved to mean 'focused on actions'.