Respond to something with more emotion, anger, or intensity than the situation deserves.
From 'over-' (excessively) + 'react' (from Latin 're-' again + 'agere' to do or act). The term gained popular usage in the 1900s as psychology developed, describing disproportionate emotional responses.
Your amygdala (fear center in your brain) makes you overreact to perceived threats in seconds—but your prefrontal cortex takes way longer to calm it down, which is why anger lingers!
Often weaponized against women as dismissive stereotype ('emotional', 'hysterical'). Historically used to invalidate women's legitimate responses to real threats.
Use descriptively for actual response intensity; avoid as gendered stereotype. Acknowledge context (what triggered the response?) rather than labeling the person.
["strong response","intense reaction","disproportionate to stimulus"]
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