Overact
(verb)
To exaggerate one's actions, speech or emotions in a performance or situation.
Origin:
The word overact is a combination of the prefix "over" meaning "more than necessary" and the verb "act", meaning "to perform in a play or role".
Examples:
- The actor overacted his role, making it seem unrealistic.
- She overacted her distress, making it clear that she was faking it.
- The children overacted their surprise when they saw the presents.
- He overacted his love for her, making her feel uncomfortable.
- The company overacted their success, leading to a fall in public trust.