/ ˌhɪstriˈɒnɪk; NAmE -ˈɑːnɪk/ adjective
[ usually before noun ] ( formal , disapproving ) histrionic behaviour is very emotional and is intended to attract attention in a way that does not seem sincere
► his·tri·on·ic·al·ly / -kli; NAmE / adverb
► his·tri·on·ics noun [ pl. ]:
She was used to her mother's histrionics.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent. (in the sense dramatically exaggerated, hypocritical ): from late Latin histrionicus , from Latin histrio(n-) actor.