Definition

Adjective: - Infatuated with or enthralled by the theater, especially having a strong desire to act: Describes a person who is deeply fascinated by the world of theater and performance, often with an intense longing to become an actor or be involved in stage productions.

Usage

The adjective "stage-struck" is used to describe a person's state of mind or passion. It typically precedes a noun or follows a linking verb like "be," "become," or "seem."

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to be stage-struck": to be in a state of infatuation with the theater.
  • Ever since childhood, she has been stage-struck.
• "a stage-struck youth": a common collocation describing a young person with this passion.
  • The director was once a stage-struck youth himself.

Variants and Related Words

• Stage-struck is a compound adjective. Its components are:
  • Stage (noun): the area in a theater where actors perform.
  • Struck (adjective, past participle of "strike"): deeply affected or smitten.

Synonyms

• Theater-obsessed: Having an excessive preoccupation with theater.
• Starstruck: Overwhelmed with admiration for famous performers (broader, not limited to the stage).
• Theater-mad: (Informal) Extremely enthusiastic about theater.

Antonyms

• Stage-frightened: Experiencing fear of performing on stage.
• Indifferent to theater: Having no interest in theatrical performance.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To have the bug: (Informal idiom) To have a strong and sudden enthusiasm for something. While not exclusive to theater, it can be used in a similar context.
  • He's got the acting bug is similar to saying He's stage-struck.

Adjective

1. infatuated with or enthralled by the theater especially the desire to act