dramatize

especially British, dram·a·tise

[dram-uh-tahyz, drah-muh-]

verb (used with object)

dramatized, dramatizing 

1. to put into a form suitable for acting on a stage.

2. to express or represent vividly, emotionally, or strikingly.

   He dramatizes his woes with sobs and sighs.

verb (used without object)

dramatized, dramatizing 

1. to express oneself in a dramatic or exaggerated way.

dramatize

/ ˈdræməˌtaɪz /

verb

1. (tr) to put into dramatic form

2. to express or represent (something) in a dramatic or exaggerated way

   he dramatizes his illness

Other Word Forms

• dramatizable adjective
• dramatizer noun
• overdramatize verb
• undramatizable adjective
• undramatized adjective
• well-dramatized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dramatize¹

1770–80; < Greek drāmat- ( dramatic ) + -ize

Example Sentences

Masad, a regular contributor to The Times, probes the mysteries of outer space in dramatizing the first alien abduction story.

From Los Angeles Times

“We’ll be back to the days of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,’” Berg said, referring to the 1962 novel and subsequent movie dramatizing oppressive conditions in mental health institutions.

From Los Angeles Times

But the case took on legendary status, being dramatized in the play and film “Inherit the Wind,” and despite Scopes’ conviction, coming to be seen as a significant victory for science.

From Salon

“Westworld” ham-handedly drew direct parallels to slavery in its robot narratives while “Humans” more subtly dramatized the legal implications and societal upheaval that could result from robots seeking the same rights as humans.

From Los Angeles Times

Whatever the truth, Veytia’s history of heinous crimes dramatizes the intractable nexus between Mexican officialdom and the country’s ruthless mafias.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amplify 
• exaggerate 
• overstate