act out
To show or perform a story or feeling by doing it, not just saying it.
Meanings
To perform or dramatise a story, scene, or situation, especially as a learning exercise.
"The students were asked to act out a scene from the play in front of the class."
To express difficult emotions or psychological conflicts through behaviour rather than words, often in a disruptive way.
"The child began acting out at school after his parents' divorce."
To put a fantasy, desire, or plan into action in real life.
"He finally got the chance to act out his dream of sailing around the world."
Used in both educational/theatrical contexts (dramatising a scene) and psychological contexts (externalising feelings through behaviour, often negative). In psychology, 'acting out' often refers to children or adults expressing distress through disruptive behaviour.
Commonly used with
Forms
Understand "act out" better
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "act out" on Looplines