Act out
verb
To perform a role in a play, movie, or show.
She was chosen to act out the main character's role in the school play.
Often appears as...
- act out a role
- act out a scene
verb
To express feelings or emotions through actions, often because you cannot express them in words.
The child couldn't express his anger verbally, so he acted out by throwing toys.
Often appears as...
- act out aggression
- act out feelings
Usage tips
Psychological
verb
To behave badly or in a socially unacceptable way.
The teenager started to act out after her parents divorced.
Often appears as...
- act out behavior
- act out frustration
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To perform a role in a play, movie, or show.
She was chosen to act out the main character's role in the school play.
Often appears as...
- act out a role
- act out a scene
verb
To express feelings or emotions through actions, often because you cannot express them in words.
The child couldn't express his anger verbally, so he acted out by throwing toys.
Often appears as...
- act out aggression
- act out feelings
Usage tips
Psychological
verb
To behave badly or in a socially unacceptable way.
The teenager started to act out after her parents divorced.
Often appears as...
- act out behavior
- act out frustration
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Dramatic Context
Use 'act out' when discussing theater, film, or TV performances.
She'll act out a famous monologue for the audition.
Pro Tip 2/3Vivid Description
'Act out' can imply vividly showing character's thoughts through actions in performance.
He was asked to act out his fear in the scene without words.
Pro Tip 3/3Active Participation
Use 'act out' to emphasize active engagement in the portrayal of a character.
The director wants you to really act out each emotion.
Pro Tip 1/3Dramatic Context
Use 'act out' when discussing theater, film, or TV performances.
She'll act out a famous monologue for the audition.
Pro Tip 2/3Vivid Description
'Act out' can imply vividly showing character's thoughts through actions in performance.
He was asked to act out his fear in the scene without words.
Pro Tip 3/3Active Participation
Use 'act out' to emphasize active engagement in the portrayal of a character.
The director wants you to really act out each emotion.
Pro Tip 1/3Dramatic Context
Use 'act out' when discussing theater, film, or TV performances.
She'll act out a famous monologue for the audition.
Pro Tip 2/3Vivid Description
'Act out' can imply vividly showing character's thoughts through actions in performance.
He was asked to act out his fear in the scene without words.
Pro Tip 3/3Active Participation
Use 'act out' to emphasize active engagement in the portrayal of a character.
The director wants you to really act out each emotion.
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