histrionics
Americannoun
-
dramatic representation; theatricals; acting.
-
behavior or speech for effect, as insincere or exaggerated expression of an emotion; dramatics; operatics.
Cut out the histrionics—we know you're not really mad.
Etymology
Origin of histrionics
First recorded in 1860–65; see origin at histrionic, -ics
Explanation
Histrionics are dramatic, overdone, emotional actions and words that are done to influence someone. It’s like putting on a little show to get attention. Histrionics originally referred to acting in a play, and it still conveys a sense of pretending. If someone is going through histrionics, they're acting outlandish, usually to get sympathy or influence someone. Exaggerated crying, unnecessary yelling, and overdone gestures are all examples of histrionics. Unlike real emotional reactions, histrionics are fake and intended to manipulate others.
Vocabulary lists containing histrionics
Americanah
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Atonement
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The Faithful Spy
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They were creative only in their histrionics and their survival tactics.
From BBC ● Aug. 20, 2026
Also elusive is the source of Kayleen’s growing emotional distress, which Ms. Young conveys with an admirable absence of histrionics.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 4, 2025
Winger Vinicius showed his frustration with his coach publicly during the Clasico, substituted and storming off in a fit of histrionics.
From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2025
Bondi probably wowed him with her snotty tone and histrionics, even as her wit left much to be desired.
From Salon ● Oct. 13, 2025
I really could go on for pages about all the public histrionics in the days after Bunny’s death.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
