role-playing

[rohl-pley-ing]

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

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of role-playing¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Playing and role-playing with friends is crucial to the success of Roblox, and why life simulations like Brookhaven are so popular.

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When Olga López heard she would lose access to her collection of role-playing chatbots, she felt a surge of emotions: sadness, outrage, bewilderment.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Subjects face the camera head on, sometimes to speak, sometimes to sit silently for a portrait that might find them covered in fake blood and wounds from a role-playing exercise.

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A mixture of first-person shooter and role-playing game, part one stood out in 2009 thanks to its cartoonish art style, edgy humour and co-operative multiplayer modes.

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The whole spectacle possessed the energy of a nationwide role-playing session.

Read more on Slate