self-dramatizing

American  

[self-dram-uh-tahy-zing, -drah-muh-, self-] / ˌsɛlfˈdræm əˌtaɪ zɪŋ, -ˈdrɑ mə-, ˈsɛlf- /

adjective

1. exaggerating one's own qualities, role, situation, etc., for dramatic effect or as an attention-getting device; presenting oneself dramatically.

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Other Word Forms

• self-dramatization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of self-dramatizing

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

As self-dramatizing as she is self-effacing, the character is ill-equipped for everyday life.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2025

But I was still shocked by Monday’s self-dramatizing use of their platform.

From Salon • Nov. 22, 2024

This quality makes for a radically self-dramatizing conception of politics.

From The New Yorker • Jun. 13, 2019

But it does boast some noteworthy characters — particularly the troublemaking Constance, a royal, self-dramatizing stage mother intent on seeing her son ascend the throne.

From Washington Post • Oct. 30, 2018

Instead it drags, hitting the same notes about Kathryn’s obliviousness and self-dramatizing, and it starts to feel like a long weekend indeed.

From New York Times • Oct. 12, 2018