Responding to something with more emotion or drama than the situation seems to deserve.
From 'over-' (prefix meaning excessively) + 'react' (to respond), from 'reaction' (from Latin 'reactio,' meaning to act in return), first used in this sense in the 1900s.
Overreacting might seem silly, but drama and exaggerated responses are actually how theater and storytelling work—so when someone says you're overreacting, they're actually saying you'd make a great actor.
Women are disproportionately accused of 'overreacting' or being 'emotional' when expressing legitimate concerns. This dismissal has roots in 19th-century medicine treating women's anger as pathology and continues in workplace/family dynamics.
Describe specific behavior rather than labeling as overreaction. 'You raised your voice' is more actionable than 'you're overreacting.' Avoid gendered assumptions about emotional proportionality.
["intense response","stronger reaction than expected","amplified emotional expression"]
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