# act out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/act-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to show your feelings or frustrations through bad behavior instead of talking about them.

For teachers: to express repressed emotions or impulses through overt behavior, typically in a disruptive or socially unacceptable manner.

## Examples

- The toddler often acts out when he is tired.
- Students who struggle with learning disabilities may act out in class because they feel frustrated by the difficult material.
- The therapist noted that the patient tended to act out during sessions whenever the conversation shifted toward his childhood experiences.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He was acting out a fool." but "He was acting like a fool." — use 'act like' for comparisons; 'act out' refers to behavior caused by hidden emotions or performing a script.

## Usage notes

- Usually used without an object when describing bad behavior.
- Teaching tip: Help students distinguish between the literal 'performing' sense and the figurative 'misbehaving' sense by looking at the context of frustration or anger.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.