act out

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

Idioms and Phrases

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]

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.”

Example Sentences

In the words of pollster Jerome Fourquet last week, "It is like an incomprehensible play being acted out in front of an empty theatre."

From BBC

The inquiry heard he told the police he was "sorry" and had acted out of "complete shock".

From BBC

"He started to act out because he doesn't think it's fair that he's been kept in there that long, so that's had an impact on his behaviour."

From BBC

But he acted out that premise at scale with impressive velocity and single-minded genius, attracting millions of dollars in backing and legions of followers.

From Salon

They are just a sequestered space for girls to act out a little under tight supervision before they are transferred to the control of their husband.

From Salon

Related Words

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