melodrama

The definition of melodrama is a creative performance or actions with lots of exaggerated emotion, tension or excitement.

(noun)

A soap opera is an example of a melodrama.
A person who is constantly breaking up and getting back together with her boyfriend in emotional scenes is an example of someone who enjoys melodrama.

See melodrama in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Historical a sensational or romantic stage play with interspersed songs and an orchestral accompaniment
now, a drama, as a play or film, concerned with exaggerated conflicts and emotions, stereotyped characters, etc.; also, such dramas collectively
any sensational, extravagantly emotional action, utterance, etc.

Origin: altered (by assoc. with drama) < Fr mélodrame < Gr melos, a song + Fr drame < LL: see drama

Related Forms:

See melodrama in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. A drama, such as a play, film, or television program, characterized by exaggerated emotions, stereotypical characters, and interpersonal conflicts.
b. The dramatic genre characterized by this treatment.
Behavior or occurrences having melodramatic characteristics.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration of melodrame

Origin: , from French mélodrame, spoken drama that includes some musical accompaniment, melodrama

Origin: : Greek melos, song

Origin: + French drame, drama (from Late Latin drāma; see drama)

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