definitions

hysteric

[ hi-ster-ik ]
/ hɪˈstɛr ɪk /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR hysteric ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

Usually hysterics. a fit of uncontrollable laughter or weeping; hysteria.
a person subject to hysteria.

adjective

hysterical.

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RELATED WORDS

manic, distraught, compulsive, disturbed, obsessive, laughter, levity, hilarity, rejoicing, flare-up, convulsion, madness, furor, temper, fury, violence, bitterness, resentment, excitement, mania

Nearby words

hysteresis loop, hysteresis loss, hysteretic, hystereurysis, hysteria, hysteric, hysterical, hysterical personality, hysterical psychosis, hysterics, hystero-

Origin of hysteric

1650–60; < Latin hystericus < Greek hysterikós, suffering in the womb, hysterical (reflecting the Greeks' belief that hysteria was peculiar to women and caused by disturbances in the uterus); see hystero-, -ic
Related formsan·ti·hys·ter·ic, noun, adjective
Can be confusedhysterics histrionics
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for hysteric

British Dictionary definitions for hysteric

hysteric

/ (hɪˈstɛrɪk) /

noun

a hysterical person

adjective

hysterical
See also hysterics

Word Origin for hysteric

C17: from Latin hystericus literally: of the womb, from Greek husterikos, from hustera the womb; from the belief that hysteria in women originated in disorders of the womb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for hysteric

hysteric

adj.

1650s, from Latin hystericus, from Greek hysterikos "belonging to the womb" (see hysterical). As a noun from 1751.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine definitions for hysteric

hysteric

[ hĭ-stĕr′ĭk ]

n.

A person suffering from hysteria.
hysterics A fit of uncontrollable laughing or crying.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.