theatricalism

American  

[thee-a-tri-kuh-liz-uhm] / θiˈæ trɪ kəˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. conduct suggesting theatrical actions or mannerisms, especially of an extravagant or exhibitionist sort.

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Other Word Forms

• semitheatricalism noun

Etymology

Origin of theatricalism

First recorded in 1850–55; theatrical + -ism

Example Sentences

So much oratory has its touches of eloquence, so much theatricalism its flashes of theater.

From Time Magazine Archive

Yet, as Edmund Wilson observed in an otherwise critical essay: "There remains behind the journalism, the theatricalism and the tricks, a mind which does seem first-rate in its unpanicky scrutiny of life."

From Time Magazine Archive

More culpably, Williams' gift for theatricalism makes the how of Suddenly Last Summer devour the why, turns the horrifying means into an end in itself.

From Time Magazine Archive

THE DEVIL'S DISCIPLE—Early Shaw, revived by the Theatre Guild, and proving that early Shaw is a good deal better than most up-to-the-minute theatricalism.

From Time Magazine Archive

Napier, full of disgust for what he looked on as a piece of cheap theatricalism, was startled as the face fell back against Nan's shoulder.

From The Messenger by Robins, Elizabeth