English Reference
Verb

overreact

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈoʊvɝɹiˈækt/ UK /ˌəʊvəɹɪˈækt/ over·re·act UK spelling overreacted, overreacting, overreacts

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.


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.

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.

Toronto Sun· 5 Sept 2026

Others say it was a joke and they’re overreacting.

Toronto Sun· 31 Aug 2026

From over- + react.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated