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.

From 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.

From Salon

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

From Los Angeles Times

Just as important is the role of playacting.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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