act out
phrasal verb·2 senses·particle out
Meanings
Perform a scene, story, or plan with actions
Why “out”? A plan leaves the idea stage and becomes a real action or task.
“The class acted out the story.”
“The workers acted out the emergency plan.”
Express feelings through aggressive or attention-seeking behaviour
Why “out”? A strong reaction appears suddenly in words, sound, action, or behaviour.
“The child was acting out at school.”
“He acted out when he felt ignored.”
Don't confuse with
Act out means perform a scene, story, or plan with actions. Act up means behave badly or stop working properly.
Test yourself
“The class acted out the story.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
act up
A contrast learners often mix up
Behave badly or stop working properly
burst out
Same out pattern: outburst
Suddenly start laughing, crying, or making another strong sound; Say something suddenly and forcefully; Leave a place suddenly and forcefully; (of a sound or song) Suddenly begin loudly
carry out
Same out pattern: planned action
Perform a task or action that has been planned
cry out
Same out pattern: outburst
Make a loud sudden sound, often in pain or surprise
freak out
Same out pattern: outburst
Suddenly become very anxious or upset
lash out
Same out pattern: outburst
Suddenly attack someone with words or violence
set out
Same out pattern: planned action
Begin a journey; Begin trying to do something with a clear goal
shout out
Same out pattern: outburst
Say something loudly and suddenly
Sink In — iOS & Android
Practice “act out” in Sink In
Drill “act out” and 1,300+ other phrasal verbs with spaced repetition, organised by the particle patterns that connect them.
- Learn the pattern behind dozens of verbs at once — not one-off translations.
- Spaced repetition (SM-2) brings each meaning back right before you forget.
- Four practice modes train recall and discrimination, not just recognition.
