Hyperbole (noun)

1. An exaggeration or overstatement for emphasis or effect.
2. A figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect.

Origin:

From the greek word "hyperbole" meaning "excess" or "overstatement".

Examples:

1. The statement "I"m so hungry I could eat a horse" is an example of hyperbole.
2. His speech was full of hyperboles that made it hard to take him seriously.
3. She used hyperbole to exaggerate the importance of her proposal.
4. Her use of hyperbole made it clear that she was not to be taken seriously.
5. Hyperbole can be used to add humor to a conversation.