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

“History suggests that the stock market is prone to overreact to major technological advances, even if the technology itself turns out to be revolutionary.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Based on his experience in the Ford administration, Cheney felt that Congress had overreacted in its efforts to rein in the presidency after the abuses of President Richard Nixon.

Read more on Salon

It was maddening, it was crazy, but all the president could do was hope the Soviets did not overreact to the U-2 overflight.

Read more on Literature

The danger is letting regret aversion push us into extremes — becoming paralyzed and too conservative, or overreacting and chasing returns.

Read more on MarketWatch

To be sure, there is a chance that the market is overreacting and that yields fall again.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• lose it 
• scare