Word
overreact
Phoneticsover·re·act
US/ˈoʊvɝɹiˈækt/
UK/ˌəʊvəɹɪˈækt/
Definition
v. to respond to a situation in a way that is much too strong or emotional. You do this when a small problem makes you feel or act like it is a huge crisis.
v. to respond to a stimulus or situation with an intensity or emotion that is disproportionate to the actual circumstances. Often implies an unnecessary or excessive reaction to a minor event.
Examples
“Don't overreact to the small mistake.”
“He tends to overreact to every little criticism, even when the feedback is meant to be constructive.”
“While the initial data suggested a significant downturn, the board was accused of overreacting by halting all new investments before a full analysis of the market was complete.”
Examples
simple
“Don't overreact to the small mistake.”
contextual
“He tends to overreact to every little criticism, even when the feedback is meant to be constructive.”
complex
“While the initial data suggested a significant downturn, the board was accused of overreacting by halting all new investments before a full analysis of the market was complete.”
Real-World Examples
“It will take a far larger decrease in violent crime to make up for the increases of the previous decade.”
All of which indicates the public is not overreacting to crime.” “Others say it was a joke and they’re overreacting.” Etymology
From over- + react.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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