role-play

[ rohl-pley ]

/ ˈroʊlˌpleɪ /

verb (used with object)

to assume the attitudes, actions, and discourse of (another), especially in a make-believe situation in an effort to understand a differing point of view or social interaction: Management trainees were given a chance to role-play labor negotiators.

to experiment with or experience (a situation or viewpoint) by playing a role: trainees role-playing management positions.

verb (used without object)

to engage in role-playing.

Nearby words

role, role conflict, role model, role set, role strain, role-play, role-playing, role-playing game, rolf, rolf kraki, rolfe

Origin of role-play

First recorded in 1945–50

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for role-play

Or can you not say that because you cannot role-play as non-adults?
The UK’s War on Porn: ‘Proof That Men Making These Rules Do Not See Women as Equals’|Aurora Snow|December 6, 2014|DAILY BEAST
But in the “Role-Play” episode, he tells her that now they make love, and says, “You have an old idea of who I am.”
Adam Driver on Role-Play Sex with Lena Dunham on ‘Girls’ and Adam’s Stormy Relationship with Hannah|Marlow Stern|March 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The role-play sequence between you and Lena looked like it must have been a lot of fun to shoot.
Adam Driver on Role-Play Sex with Lena Dunham on ‘Girls’ and Adam’s Stormy Relationship with Hannah|Marlow Stern|March 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
She loves the role-play of modeling—something she plans to continue.
Agyness Deyn in ‘Pusher’: On Stripping, Acting, and How She’s Not Done Modeling|Isabel Wilkinson|October 24, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Medicine definitions for role-play

role-play

[ rōl′plā′ ]

v.

To assume deliberately the part or role of; act out.

n.

Role-playing.