overreact

[oh-ver-ree-akt]

verb (used without object)

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

overreact

/ ˌəʊvərɪˈækt /

verb

1. (intr) to react excessively to something

Other Word Forms

• overreaction noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of overreact¹

First recorded in 1960–65; over- + react

Example Sentences

“But I hope we don’t overreact,” he said, and turn away from the notion of good fire.

From Los Angeles Times

The storm was not currently affecting business, she said, adding that "most weather channels are overreacting" - although she added it might be a different story farther south in Hatteras Island.

From BBC

Jackson understands that the video was in “very poor taste,” but she believes the police overreacted and traumatized her granddaughter in the process.

From Salon

Letiecq said that, in her view, Washington has overreacted, not underreacted, to complaints of antisemitism, instituting restrictions on protests and punishments for protesters that she considers “oppressive.”

From Salon

When Palmer was identified as a Brink's-Mat suspect, he accused the Met Police of "overreacting".

From BBC

Related Words

• lose it 
• scare