ACT OUT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does act out mean? 

• ACT OUT (verb)
  The verb ACT OUT has 2 senses:

1. represent an incident, state, or emotion by action, especially on stage

2. act out; represent or perform as if in a play

  Familiarity information: ACT OUT used as a verb is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ACT OUT (verb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Represent an incident, state, or emotion by action, especially on stage

Classified under:

Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing

Context example:

She could act neurotic anxiety

Hypernyms (to "act out" is one way to...):

act; play; represent (play a role or part)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

Sense 2

Meaning:

Act out; represent or perform as if in a play

Classified under:

Verbs of sewing, baking, painting, performing

Synonyms:

act out; enact; reenact

Context example:

She reenacted what had happened earlier that day

Hypernyms (to "act out" is one way to...):

act; play; represent (play a role or part)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s something

 Context examples 

For example, getting a new brother or sister or going to a new school may cause a child to temporarily act out.

(Child Mental Health, NIH: National Institute of Mental Health)

For example, the birth of a sibling, a divorce, or a death in the family may cause a child to act out.

(Child Behavior Disorders, NIH)