Definition

A response that is more extreme than what is necessary or appropriate.

Example

Her overreaction to the small mistake surprised everyone in the meeting.

Conversation

Did you see how he reacted to the news?

Yeah, it seemed like a total overreaction to me.

Right? I mean, it wasn't that big of a deal.

Exactly! Sometimes people just need to chill out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Overreaction → It is formed from "over-" (meaning excessively) and "react" (from Latin "reactare", meaning to act in response). The word describes an excessive response to a situation or stimulus.

Memory Tip

Think of responding 'excessively' ('over-') to something you 'act' upon ('react'). This helps you remember that an overreaction is an exaggerated response.

Visually Confused Words