melodramatize

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

verb (used with object)

, mel·o·dram·a·tized, mel·o·dram·a·tiz·ing.

1. to make melodramatic.
2. to turn (a novel, story, etc.) into a melodrama.

melodramatize

/ ˌmɛləʊˈdræməˌtaɪz /

verb

1. tr to make melodramatic

Word History and Origins

Origin of melodramatize¹

First recorded in 1810–20; melodrama + (drama)tize

Example Sentences

He doesn't sentimentalize it or melodramatize it.

From Time Magazine Archive

It would have been a simple matter to melodramatize or caricature these soldiers' stories.

From Time Magazine Archive

In his first novel since The Ordways, William Humphrey has remained true to the once effective formula for the Southern novel�using the Southern family to melodramatize the passing of a way of life through the death of the elder.

From Time Magazine Archive

The film's strength is its refusal to melodramatize a situation whose inherent horror needs no melodrama.

From Time Magazine Archive

O. Henry came very near to her, but did he not melodramatize her a little, sometimes cheapen her by his epigrammatic appraisal, fit her too neatly into his plot?

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• amplify
• exaggerate
• overstate