overreaction

[/ˌoʊvərriˈækʃən/]
nounpl: overreactions
reação exagerada
1. An emotional or behavioral response that is more extreme or intense than the situation warrants; an excessive reaction
His anger was an overreaction to a minor criticism.
Sua raiva foi uma reação exagerada a uma crítica menor.
2. A response that goes beyond what is reasonable, appropriate, or necessary
The market's overreaction to the news caused stock prices to plummet.
A reação exagerada do mercado às notícias causou a queda dos preços das ações.
The concept of overreaction is commonly discussed in American pop culture and social media discourse, particularly regarding celebrity responses and public controversies. In Brazil, the term is used similarly in business, politics, and everyday conversations to describe disproportionate emotional or institutional responses. Both cultures value measured, rational responses as a sign of maturity and professionalism.
NYC Slang
going overboard; making a big deal out of nothing; drama
Synonyms / Sinônimos
overresponseexcessive reactionexaggerated responsedisproportionate reaction
Antonyms / Antônimos
underreactionrestraintmeasured responseproportional reaction

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
reação exagerada
Most common translation; widely used in formal and informal contexts
General Brazilian
reação desproporcionada
More formal alternative emphasizing the lack of proportion
São Paulo
reação exagerada
Standard usage in business and media contexts
Portugal
reacção exagerada
Same meaning with Portuguese spelling conventions (reacção instead of reação)

Related Words

overreactreactionexaggerationemotional responsedisproportionate

Related Idioms & Phrases

blow something out of proportion
make a mountain out of a molehill
take something too seriously
read too much into something
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