act out

To show an event, situation, or story by performing its actions.

• Let’s act out the story.
• She acted out the events of that morning.
• The class will act out different situations.

How to use it: act something out (The children acted the story out for their parents.)

Similar words: perform, enact

Common phrases: act out something, act out a story, act out an event, act out a scene

To show anger or other difficult feelings by behaving badly or causing trouble.

• He acts out when he’s upset.
• The child acted out after her parents separated.
• Why is she acting out at school?

Similar words: misbehave, play up

Opposites: behave

Common phrases: act out at school, act out in class, act out angrily

To do in real life something that you have imagined or wished to do.

• He wanted to act out his fantasy.
• They acted out their childhood dream of being explorers.
• Would she ever act out those secret wishes?

How to use it: act out a fantasy (The game lets players act out their fantasies of being heroes.)

Similar words: live out, fulfil

Common phrases: act out a fantasy, act out fantasies, act out something

To show what you think, feel, or want through actions instead of words.

• He acted out his need for water.
• She acted out her wishes with simple gestures.
• Could you act out what you mean?

How to use it: act something out (Unable to speak, she acted out what she wanted.)

Similar words: mime, demonstrate

Common phrases: act out something, act out your needs, act out your wishes

To perform as an actor outdoors or away from an indoor performance space.

• They act out in the park.
• She acted out on the street for a small crowd.
• The actors prefer to act out in the open air.

Similar words: perform outdoors

Common phrases: act out on streets, act out in parks