overact

[ oh-ver-akt ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to act in an exaggerated manner.

overact

/ ˌəʊvərˈækt /

verb

1. to act or behave in an exaggerated manner, as in a theatrical production Alsooverplay

Other Words From

• over·action noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overact¹

First recorded in 1605–15; over- + act

Example Sentences

I saw Mrs. Drew play Mrs. Malaprop, and it was a lesson to people who overact.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• exaggerate
• maximize
• overdo
• overemphasize
• overstate
• overuse