act out

British  

verb

1. (tr) to reproduce (an idea, former event, etc) in actions, often by mime

2. psychiatry to express unconsciously (a repressed impulse or experience) in overt behaviour

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act out Idioms  

1. Perform or portray something or someone, as in As she read to the class, the teacher had each child act out a different character in the story . [c. 1600]

2. Express unconscious feelings or impulses through one's behavior, without being aware of it. For example, She acted out her anger at her father by screaming at her husband . This meaning comes from 20th-century psychological theory and usually (but not always) refers to negative or hostile impulses and emotions. The term is sometimes used without an object to mean “misbehave” or “behave disruptively,” as in The child is acting out in class . [First half of 1900s] In both usages, out means “openly” or “publicly.”

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Example Sentences

Some of her middle school students are unafraid to initiate conversations about immigration enforcement, she said, while others keep their feelings to themselves or act out.

From Salon • Mar. 2, 2026

The government has tried other tactics to address the issue; the FAA implemented stiffer penalties in recent years for passengers who act out on planes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 14, 2026

Players roll a dice to move their pawns across the board, with each landing spot corresponding to cards containing questions or instructions to act out disaster-specific responses.

From Barron's • Dec. 29, 2025

For “Don’t You Worry Baby” he was joined by a female dancer on roller skates; for “Noid,” a couple of guys with cameras helped him act out his unhappy thoughts on paparazzi.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

So I’m watching not just one girl act out, but a whole group of girls doing it at the same time.

From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles

Related Words

• display
• execute
• give
• go on
• offer
• play
• present
• produce
• represent
• show
• stage