playact

[pley-akt]

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in make-believe.

2. to be insincere or affected in speech, manner, etc..

   It's hard to get away with playacting with members of one's own family.

3. to perform in a play.

verb (used with object)

1. to dramatize (something).

   They playacted the movements of a burglar.

Other Word Forms

• playacting noun
• playactor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of playact¹

1895–1900; back formation from playacting; play, act, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

In all her weary playacting, she had forgotten about ordering these things, but their arrival reminded her to get “back in character,” so to speak.

Read more on Literature

It’s a strange sight: a millionaire playacting as a cashier in an industry where many workers can’t afford rent.

Read more on Salon

Oh, yeah, they’ve fussed of late about the economy and the attack on Iran, but that all seems a bit of playacting and just part of dominating the media with their patented flood-the-zone-with-s**t methodology.

Read more on Salon

Can the two tell the difference between playacting and following their hearts?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Just as important is the role of playacting.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• appear 
• bear 
• carry 
• conduct 
• give 
• go on 
• manage 
• operate 
• perform 
• play 
• present 
• produce 
• quit