When you make something seem bigger, worse, or more important than it actually is by describing it in an extreme way.
From Latin 'exaggerare' meaning 'to heap up' or 'pile on,' combining 'ex-' (out) and 'aggerare' (to add to). The meaning evolved from literally piling things up to figuratively piling on descriptions or emphasis.
Our brains are hardwired to exaggerate danger and drama—it helped our ancestors survive, but now we do it constantly in stories and arguments! That's why a small embarrassment feels like 'the worst thing ever.'
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