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

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

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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.

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

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Just as important is the role of playacting.

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What he presents in the first half is cringeworthy: a chintzy and cheesy playacting of the chaos, with any discussion of the issues.

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Related Words

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