role-playing

American  

[rohl-pley-ing] / ˈroʊlˌpleɪ ɪŋ /

noun

1. a method of instruction or psychotherapy aimed at changing attitudes and behavior, in which participants act out designated roles relevant to real-life situations.

2. the modifying of a person's behavior to accord with a desired personal image, as to impress others or conform to a particular environment.

---

role-playing British  

noun

1. psychol activity in which a person imitates, consciously or unconsciously, a role uncharacteristic of himself See also psychodrama

---

Etymology

Origin of role-playing

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

A martial arts role-playing game “Black Myth: Wukong,” inspired by the classical Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” notched record-breaking sales after its release in 2024 and lapped up rave reviews from Western gamers.

From The Wall Street Journal

He sees more people in Silicon Valley using call screening but doesn’t believe it’s rooted in role-playing Ari Emanuel.

From The Wall Street Journal

Character Technologies is the company that operates Character.AI, a role-playing app that lets users create and chat with AI characters.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Toy Tycoon” is a role-playing strategy game for up-and-coming leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal

There have even been Austen-inspired online role-playing games such as the now-defunct “Ever, Jane,” as well as a 2D platformer game in which Austen uses a quill to fight off villains based on characters from her various novels.

From Los Angeles Times