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Browse the Medical Dictionary:: A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; X; Y; Z; #

act out

Main Entry:: act out
Pronunciation:: \(ˈ)akt-ˈau̇t\
Function:: transitive verb

: to express (as an impulse or a fantasy) directly in overt behavior without modification to comply with social norms <act out an adolescent fantasy> intransitive verb : to behave badly or in a socially unacceptable often self-defeating manner especially as a means of venting painful emotions (as fear or frustration)

Learn more about "act out" and related topics at Britannica.com

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