# overreaction

/ˈoʊvɝɹiˌækʃən/ (US) · /ˌəʊvəɹɪˈækʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/overreaction
Updated: 2026-05-27

## Definition

a response that is much stronger or more extreme than the situation actually deserves. You use this when someone gets too angry or worried about something small.

For teachers: a response that is disproportionately intense or excessive relative to the stimulus or event that triggered it. Often implies a lack of emotional control or an irrational assessment of risk.

## Examples

- His shouting at the waiter was a total overreaction.
- The manager's decision to fire the employee over a minor mistake was seen as an overreaction by the board.
- While the initial security breach was concerning, the subsequent lockdown of the entire campus was widely criticized as an overreaction that unnecessarily disrupted the academic calendar.

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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.