acts, acted, acting
to act out
phrasal verb
To express emotions through behavior, often negatively
- 1The child tends to act out when he's upset.
- 2She started to act out after her parents' divorce.
To show feelings by doing something, usually in a bad way. For example, yelling or hitting when angry. It's like using actions instead of words to let others know how you feel.
Remember, acting out is not always the best way to express emotions. It's important to find healthy ways to communicate how you feel, like talking to someone you trust or writing in a journal.
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on the green
Managing Frustration on the Green
Robert
I can't believe I missed that shot again!
Laura
I noticed you tend to act out when things don't go your way.
Robert
Yeah, I guess I let my frustration show too much.
Laura
It's okay, just take a deep breath and try to stay calm.
during a group project discussion
Handling Emotions in Class
Cynthia
I noticed Alex was really upset today.
Joshua
Yeah, he tends to act out when he's stressed.
Cynthia
It makes it hard for the group to focus.
Joshua
Maybe we can help him find a better way to express his feelings.
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Similar to "to act out":
- 1misbehave
- 2rebel