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overreaction

overreaction

27 4.9
A response that is stronger than the situation needs
  • noun
  • /ˌoʊvərˈriːækʃən/
translation icon : reacción exagerada
  • Many consider his response to the criticism to be an overreaction that did not match the situation.
  • provoke an overreaction

Like you, you have maybe shared something before and there was an overreaction.

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Examples

  • The initial overreaction seems to have begun giving way to a more pragmatic and practical approach.

    Academic text (1999)
  • You know, this could be an overreaction on both our parts.

  • That was an overreaction, okay?

  • But you must see that this is a bit of an overreaction.

  • Given the manner of your overreaction, it is a good thing you were not at the funeral.

  • At the very least, it could be a slight overreaction on some people's part.

    Blog text (8)
  • I think that was an overreaction on Noreen's part.

  • Thus, the social worker could label her fear as an overreaction to the stress and sense of danger.

    Academic text (2010)
  • You say you're sorry while blaming John for your overreaction to what he said.

    Blog text (9)
  • Don't you think that's just a little bit of an overreaction?

How Intense

hysteria
82 6.1
to panic
272 2.3
overreaction
27 4.9
reaction
925 2.6

Surface Forms

overreaction singular
overreactions plural

Morphology

overreaction = reaction (transparent) = over + react + ion

The prefix 'over-' clearly indicates an excessive degree of the base word 'reaction'.

Etymology

The word overreaction comes from over- meaning 'too much' and reaction meaning 'a response', like react or action. A helpful picture is thinking of adding too much spice to a dish: an overreaction is a response that is 'too much' for the situation, often with strong feeling.