Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun acting_out

2 senses of acting out

Sense 1
acting out -- (a (usually irritating) impulsive and uncontrollable outburst by a problem child or a neurotic adult)
       => effusion, gush, outburst, blowup, ebullition -- (an unrestrained expression of emotion)

Sense 2
acting out -- ((psychiatry) the display of previously inhibited emotions (often in actions rather than words); considered to be healthy and therapeutic)
       => display -- (exhibiting openly in public view; "a display of courage")

Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of verb act_out

2 senses of act out

Sense 1
act out -- (represent an incident, state, or emotion by action, especially on stage; "She could act neurotic anxiety")
       => act, play, represent -- (play a role or part; "Gielgud played Hamlet"; "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role"; "She played the servant to her husband's master")

Sense 2
enact, reenact, act out -- (act out; represent or perform as if in a play; "She reenacted what had happened earlier that day")
       => act, play, represent -- (play a role or part; "Gielgud played Hamlet"; "She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role"; "She played the servant to her husband's master")