dramatize

[ dram-uh-tahyz, drah-muh- ]

verb (used with object)

dramatized, dramatizing.

1. to put into a form suitable for acting on a stage.
2. to express or represent vividly, emotionally, or strikingly:

   He dramatizes his woes with sobs and sighs.

verb (used without object)

dramatized, dramatizing.

1. to express oneself in a dramatic or exaggerated way.

dramatize

/ ˈdræməˌtaɪz /

verb

1. tr to put into dramatic form
2. to express or represent (something) in a dramatic or exaggerated way

   he dramatizes his illness

Derived Forms

• ˈdramaˌtizable, adjective
• ˈdramaˌtizer, noun

Other Word Forms

• drama·tiza·ble adjective
• drama·tizer noun
• over·drama·tize verb overdramatized overdramatizing
• un·drama·tiza·ble adjective
• un·drama·tized adjective
• well-drama·tized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dramatize¹

1770–80; < Greek drāmat- ( dramatic ) + -ize

Example Sentences

Sophocles’ “Antigone” and Euripides’ “Suppliant Women” dramatize tensions between personal morality, state power and democratic rights.

From Salon

But with Bing, whom the filmmakers treat as a genuine co-star worthy of close-ups, contemplation and authentic dog behavior, Watts finds another rich vein of emotion to dramatize with delicacy, humor and intelligent vulnerability.

From Los Angeles Times

No playwright of the modern era has more compassionately — or accurately — dramatized the human consciousness of time, loss and the gap between hope and reality.

From Los Angeles Times

“President Trump masterfully plays to his base’s fears by exaggerating the extent and significance of problems and their effects in dramatized detail,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

This sharply psychological work uses the two-character format to dramatize a dance of fractured identities.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amplify
• exaggerate
• overstate