melodrama
US /ˈmel.əˌdræm.ə/
UK /ˈmel.əˌdræm.ə/
1.
a sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions
:
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The play was a classic melodrama, full of heroes, villains, and damsels in distress.
•
His life story reads like a cheap melodrama.
2.
exaggerated sensationalism in speech or behavior
:
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Her constant emotional outbursts were pure melodrama.
•
He added a touch of melodrama to his speech to stir the crowd.