Finesentence logo

Overreact: meaning, definitions and examples

😱
Add to dictionary

overreact

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈrɛækt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

emotional response

To overreact means to respond more emotionally or dramatically than is appropriate for a given situation. This can involve exaggerating a reaction, which may lead to misunderstandings or conflicts.

Synonyms

exaggerate, overdo, overstep

Examples of usage

  • She tends to overreact to minor criticism.
  • Don't overreact; it's just a small mistake.
  • He overreacted when he heard the news.
  • Many people overreact to stress.
  • It's common to overreact when you're tired.

Etymology

The term 'overreact' originated in the early 20th century as a combination of the prefix 'over-' meaning excessively, and the verb 'react' which traces back to Latin 'reactus', meaning to act in response to something. The word was likely coined as a way to describe situations where individuals displayed exaggerated emotional or behavioral responses. Over the decades, its usage has expanded, particularly in psychological contexts, where understanding emotional responses has become increasingly important. The rise of social media has also contributed to a heightened awareness of how people can overreact in public spaces, sometimes leading to viral situations. The concept is widely discussed in fields such as psychology and communication, emphasizing the importance of measured responses and emotional intelligence.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,952 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.