overreact

[ oh-ver-ree-akt ]

/ ˌoʊ vər riˈækt /

verb (used without object)

to react or respond more strongly than is necessary or appropriate.

Nearby words

overquick, overrake, overran, overrate, overreach, overreact, overrefine, overrefinement, overreliance, overrepresent, overrich

Origin of overreact

First recorded in 1960–65; over- + react

Related forms

o·ver·re·ac·tion, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for over-react

overreact

/ (ˌəʊvərɪˈækt) /

verb

(intr) to react excessively to something

Derived Forms

overreaction, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for over-react

overreact

[ ō′vər-rē-ăkt′ ]

v.

To react with unnecessary or inappropriate force, emotional display, or violence.