English noun: acting out | |||
1. | acting out (communication) a (usually irritating) impulsive and uncontrollable outburst by a problem child or a neurotic adult | ||
Broader (hypernym) | blowup, ebullition, effusion, gush, outburst | ||
2. | acting out (communication) (psychiatry) the display of previously inhibited emotions (often in actions rather than words); considered to be healthy and therapeutic | ||
Broader (hypernym) | display | ||
Domain category | psychiatry, psychological medicine, psychopathology | ||