What does acting out mean?

Definitions for acting out
act·ing out

This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word acting out.

Princeton's WordNet

  1. acting outnoun

    a (usually irritating) impulsive and uncontrollable outburst by a problem child or a neurotic adult

  2. acting outnoun

    (psychiatry) the display of previously inhibited emotions (often in actions rather than words); considered to be healthy and therapeutic

Wikipedia

  1. Acting out

    In the psychology of defense mechanisms and self-control, acting out is the performance of an action considered bad or anti-social. In general usage, the action performed is destructive to self or to others. The term is used in this way in sexual addiction treatment, psychotherapy, criminology and parenting. In contrast, the opposite attitude or behaviour of bearing and managing the impulse to perform one's impulse is called acting in. The performed action may follow impulses of an addiction (e.g. drinking, drug taking or shoplifting). It may also be a means designed (often unconsciously or semi-consciously) to garner attention (e.g. throwing a tantrum or behaving promiscuously). Acting out may inhibit the development of more constructive responses to the feelings in question.

ChatGPT

  1. acting out

    Acting out refers to expressing or manifesting one's feelings, emotions or thoughts through actions, often inappropriately or destructively, because they are unable to express them verbally or constructively. It is commonly seen in children but can occur in adults as well. These actions could include rebellious behavior, tantrums, aggression, rule-breaking, or other disruptive behaviors to draw attention or to vent one's unprocessed emotions.

  2. acting out

    Acting out refers to engaging in specific behaviors to express or cope with emotional problems or psychological distress. It typically involves rebellious, attention-seeking, destructive, or inappropriate behavior that is often detrimental to oneself or others. This term is often used in the fields of psychology and psychiatry.

U.S. National Library of Medicine

  1. Acting Out

    Expressing unconscious emotional conflicts or feelings, often of hostility or love, through overt behavior.

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Numerology

  1. Chaldean Numerology

    The numerical value of acting out in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

  2. Pythagorean Numerology

    The numerical value of acting out in Pythagorean Numerology is: 2

Examples of acting out in a Sentence

  1. Gabby Campos:

    We see the studies and we know how scary the situation actually is, and we're acting out of fear.

  2. Chris Baker:

    I think we've seen a lot of the negative stuff already, with people acting out against foreigners, and we'll get more of that, we've seen some impact of people not coming here - you know, a shortage of nursing, and soon a shortage of people picking vegetables and all those summer-type jobs that English people don't want to do.

  3. Damon Raskin:

    I have seen firsthand how the pressure of fame and stardom can trigger vulnerable kids to develop both bad behavior and mental illness, it is the stress for those with poor coping skills that can then lead to acting out. For those with the right genetics, this can trigger illnesses such as depression and schizophrenia.

  4. Ben LaRavia:

    As I look at my fiancée across the room I can see her that night, she had on a pair of blue coveralls and she had put some black paint all over her face and we were acting out this skit called 'cigar butts,'.

  5. Robin Williams:

    Comedy is acting out optimism.


Translations for acting out

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"acting out." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 14 Mar. 2025. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/acting+out>.

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    the verbal act of urging on
    A maculation
    B calcaneus
    C taper
    D instigation

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