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histrionics

 - 4 dictionary results

his⋅tri⋅on⋅ics

  [his-tree-on-iks]
Use histrionics in a Sentence
–noun (used with a singular or plural verb)
1. dramatic representation; theatricals; acting.
2. behavior or speech for effect, as insincere or exaggerated expression of an emotion; dramatics; operatics: Cut out the histrionics—we know you're not really mad.
Origin:
1860–65; see histrionic, -ics

his⋅tri⋅on⋅ic

  [his-tree-on-ik]
–adjective Also, his⋅tri⋅on⋅i⋅cal.
1. of or pertaining to actors or acting.
2. deliberately affected or self-consciously emotional; overly dramatic, in behavior or speech.
–noun
3. an actor.
Origin:
1640–50; < LL histrōnicus of actors, equiv. to histriōn- (s. of histriō) actor (said to be < Etruscan) + -icus -ic

Related forms:
his⋅tri⋅on⋅i⋅cal⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To histrionics
his·tri·on·ics   (hĭs'trē-ŏn'ĭks)   
n.  

  1. (used with a pl. verb) Theatrical arts or performances.

  2. (used with a sing. or pl. verb) Exaggerated emotional behavior calculated for effect.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

histrionic 
1648, from L. histrionicus "pertaining to an actor," from histrio (gen. histrionis) "actor," said to be of Etruscan origin.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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