theatricalize

[ thee-a-tri-kuh-lahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, the·at·ri·cal·ized, the·at·ri·cal·iz·ing.

1. to put into dramatic or theatrical form; dramatize.
2. to express or represent in a spectacular or extravagantly histrionic manner.

Other Words From

• the·atri·cal·i·zation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of theatricalize¹

First recorded in 1770–80; theatrical + -ize

Example Sentences

But the production from the director Keenan Tyler Oliphant can’t fully theatricalize a text so weighed down by narration.

From New York Times

It would be easy to overplay or theatricalize Lamb — to turn him into a one-note martinet — but Oldman is so relaxed and natural that he makes the splenetic has-been fully human, and suggests the greater depths of compassion and capability that will be revealed as the story progresses.

From New York Times

Instead of trying to theatricalize its story through finding playable action, The Inheritance tries to solve the problem of adapting a literary work through emphasizing its literariness.

From Slate

Though all were powerful, they faced a common difficulty: How to theatricalize in one gesture both individual devastation and collective disaster.

From New York Times

And not only to vote but also to theatricalize their public commitment to voting.

From Los Angeles Times