theatrics

[thee-a-triks]

noun

1. (used with a singular verb),  the art of staging plays and other stage performances.

2. (used with a plural verb),  exaggerated, artificial, or histrionic mannerisms, actions, or words.

theatrics

/ θɪˈætrɪks /

noun

1. the art of staging plays

2. exaggerated mannerisms or displays of emotions

Word History and Origins

Origin of theatrics¹

1800–10; theatr(ic) ( def. ) + -ics

Example Sentences

Despite those words, a relaxed Joshua and social media star Paul - usually known for his theatrics - exchanged pleasantries and kept it respectful with each other.

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It follows the theatrics of Alex’s trial and depicts the full sequence where Maggie and Paul are murdered.

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“Seattle continues to attract major sporting, cultural and music events, showing that visitors and organizers from around the world have confidence in our city. … We are not going to be intimidated by political theatrics from the other Washington.”

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“Speaking of survival, and moons—our soothsayer friend Madame Ionesco warned us to expect real theatrics from Beyond the Veil tomorrow. The first full moon of May means closing night for the curse upon the Ashtons, as we theater folk say. I wish there was something we could do to prepare.”

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She compared her work in “Kimberly Akimbo,” an intimate scale musical, and “Water for Elephants,” a grander offering with epic themes and circus-style theatrics, and concluded: “I like to zoom in and I like to zoom out.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dramatics 
• histrionics 
• stagecraft