1. (v. t.) To act or perform to excess; to exaggerate in acting; as, he overacted his part.

2. (v. t.) To act upon, or influence, unduly.

3. (v. i.) To act more than is necessary; to go to excess in action.

act a part affect assume carry too far counterfeit declaim do a bit dramatize exaggerate exhaust fake feign go overboard go to extremes go too far grimace ham ham it up histrionize know no bounds make out like mug out-herod Herod overcarry overdevelop overdo overdramatize overdrive overelaborate overemphasize overexercise overexert overexpend overindulge overlabor overplay overreact overspend overstrain overstress overstudy overtask overtax overtrain overuse overwork pass all bounds play play a part play a scene playact pretend protest too much put on put on airs rant roar sham simulate spout throw away tug the heartstrings underact wear