playact

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to behave theatrically or pretend feelings or intentions that are not genuine

   She refused to playact enthusiasm for a plan she opposed.

2. 2
   verb

   to perform a role in a play or other dramatic entertainment

   The children would playact scenes from their favorite stories.

A compound of play + act, also commonly written play-act. The stage-performance sense is literal; the sense 'pretend or behave insincerely' extends theatrical acting to everyday conduct.

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