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# acting out

phrase (verb phrase: act out, acts out, acted out, acting out)

«acting out» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, school and psychology) behaving badly, often because of hidden feelings like anger or sadness.
2. (literal) performing a story or scene, as in a play.

### In the lessons

Teachers, parents and counsellors use it to describe a child's bad behaviour in a kind, understanding way; US first, now everywhere. In drama lessons it is the literal sense.

### Examples

- He's been acting out since his parents split up.
- Children sometimes act out when they feel ignored.
- Report: «Jamie has been acting out in class.»
- We acted out the story of the three bears.
- Let's act out the scene where Red Riding Hood meets the wolf.
- Mum: «Stop acting out and tell me what's wrong.»

### Note

Stands for «misbehaving» but hints there is a reason. In a drama lesson it means «perform». Do not confuse with «act up» (misbehave, or a machine not working properly).