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to act out
[phrase form: act]
01
to communicate one's emotions, often negative, by misbehaving
Intransitive
Examples
The child was acting out because he was feeling neglected by his parents.
02
to perform a role or a scene on stage
Transitive: to act out a role or scene
Examples
The actors will act out a thrilling chase scene in tonight's performance.
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
Examples
The children love to act out their favorite fairy tales during playtime.
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
Examples
His outbursts of anger are a way to act out the repressed trauma from his past.
