Overreactive: meaning, definitions and examples
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overreactive
[ ˌoʊvərˈreæktɪv ]
emotional response
Overreactive describes a tendency to exhibit an exaggerated reaction to a stimulus or situation. This term is often used in psychology to refer to individuals who respond disproportionately to stressors or challenges.
Synonyms
exaggerated, overemotional, reactive.
Examples of usage
- He tends to be overreactive in arguments.
- Her overreactive nature makes her seem dramatic.
- They overreactive when faced with criticism.
- Overreactive emotions can lead to misunderstandings.
Etymology
The term 'overreactive' is a combination of the prefix 'over-', indicating excess, and the word 'reactive', which originates from the Latin root 'reagere', meaning 'to respond'. The word 'reactive' became commonly used in the early 20th century to describe responses to various stimuli, especially in a psychological context. The addition of 'over-' enhances its meaning, suggesting not just a reaction but an excessive or exaggerated one. This descriptor has gained popularity in both clinical psychology and everyday language, especially as discussions about emotional health and responses have entered mainstream conversation. Over time, as human behavior and emotional responses have come under more scrutiny, the need for such terminology has grown, particularly in terms of identifying patterns such as heightened emotional responses in stressful situations.