role-play

or role·play

[ rohl-pley ]

verb (used with object)

1. 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.

2. to experiment with or experience (a situation or viewpoint) by playing a role in a make-believe scenario:

   My therapist and I role-played ending a relationship—an important life skill.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in role-playing.

noun

1. the act or technique of role-playing, or an instance of this:

   We often use role-play to help new immigrants learn English.

   In my nursing class we had to prepare a role-play about a dementia patient and her caregiver.

Word History and Origins

Origin of role-play¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Or can you not say that because you cannot role-play as non-adults?

From The Daily Beast

The awkward, PSA-worthy interaction comes across as a consent role-play, rather than a believable, exciting first kiss.

From The 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.”

From The Daily Beast

The role-play sequence between you and Lena looked like it must have been a lot of fun to shoot.

From The Daily Beast

She loves the role-play of modeling—something she plans to continue.

From The Daily Beast