dramatize

verb

dra·​ma·​tize ˈdra-mə-ˌtīz  ˈdrä- 

dramatized; dramatizing

transitive verb

1

: to adapt (something, such as a novel) for theatrical presentation

2

: to present or represent in a dramatic manner

intransitive verb

1

: to be suitable for dramatization

2

: to behave dramatically

dramatizable

ˈdra-mə-ˌtī-zə-bəl 

ˈdrä-

adjective

Examples of dramatize in a Sentence

The movie dramatizes her early life.

The book is dramatized in a new play.

I know I tend to dramatize things but it really was awful.

She cited a series of statistics to dramatize the seriousness of the problem.

This tragedy dramatizes the need for improvements in highway safety.

Recent Examples on the Web

The finale swaps in Braxton for Beyoncé, and dramatizes the story as Marty's (Spears) pregnant co-parent Courtney’s (Skye Townsend) water breaks at the concert right before Braxton goes onstage. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 6 May 2024

The adaptation of his novel dramatizes this in its centerpiece fourth episode, which premiered Sunday. —James Poniewozik, New York Times, 6 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1783, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

dramatize

verb

dram·​a·​tize

ˈdram-ə-ˌtīz,

ˈdräm-

1

: to make into a drama

2

: to present or represent in a dramatic manner

dramatization

ˌdram-ət-ə-ˈzā-shən

ˌdräm-

noun