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to act out
[phrase form: act]
01
to communicate one's emotions, often negative, by misbehaving
Intransitive
Example
The child was acting out because he was feeling neglected by his parents.
Teenagers may act out when they're dealing with stress or emotional issues.
02
to perform a role or a scene on stage
Transitive: to act out a role or scene
Example
The actors will act out a thrilling chase scene in tonight's performance.
In the final act, the lead actress will be acting out a powerful soliloquy that reveals the character's inner turmoil.
03
to play a role as in a child's imaginative play, where they play scenarios with toys or with their friends
Transitive: to act out an imaginative role
Example
The children love to act out their favorite fairy tales during playtime.
She asked her friends to help her act out a detective story, taking on different roles as they solved the mystery.
04
to unconsciously display one's internal conflicts, emotions, or unresolved issues by visible actions, often as a defense mechanism
Transitive: to act out emotions or internal conflicts
Example
His outbursts of anger are a way to act out the repressed trauma from his past.
Some individuals with certain behavioral disorders may act out their unresolved issues through self-destructive behaviors.
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