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

How The Breakthrough dramatizes the case The Breakthrough is a dramatized retelling of the events surrounding the Linköping murders. —Isabella Wandermurem, TIME, 10 Jan. 2025

Such data dramatize the growing risks of outburst floods, says Irfan Rashid, a climate scientist at Kashmir University. —Byathar Parvaiz, science.org, 2 Dec. 2024

Based on Elijah Wald’s 2015 best-seller Dylan Goes Electric!, the film dramatizes the earliest — and, yes, sexiest — years of the Dylan phenomenon. —Seth Abramovitch, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Dec. 2024

Starring Kaya Scodelario and Gabriel Leone, the series will dramatize the high-octane exploits of the iconic Brazilian, who tragically died whilst racing in 1994. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

dramat-, stem in derivation of drama + -ize

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