Overreactor

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A person characterized by an exaggerated response to stimuli or events
2. An individual who displays disproportionate emotional reactions in various circumstances
3. Someone who tends to respond to situations with more intensity than is warranted

Etymology: "Overreactor" is a plain formation: the verb "overreact," meaning to react with more force or emotion than a situation calls for, with the agent suffix "-or" attached to name the person who does it. The suffix comes into English through Latin "-or," which marked someone who performs an action, as in "actor" or "editor," so the word follows a pattern English has used for centuries to turn verbs into nouns for doers. The verb it grows from is itself a compound, built from "over-," meaning beyond or excessive, and "react," which ultimately traces back to Latin "reagere," to act in return. Put together, the parts describe someone whose response goes past what the moment requires. The word is a modern coinage of this kind, assembled from familiar pieces rather than borrowed whole from another language.

Synonyms: exaggerator, dramatic person, overreacting individual

Antonyms: underreactor, stoic, calm person