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Synonyms

hysteric

American  
[hi-ster-ik] / hɪˈstɛr ɪk /

noun

  1. Usually hysterics. a fit of uncontrollable laughter or weeping; hysteria.

  2. a person subject to hysteria.


adjective

  1. hysterical.

hysteric British  
/ hɪˈstɛrɪk /

noun

  1. a hysterical person

"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

adjective

  1. hysterical

"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

Other Word Forms

  • antihysteric noun

Etymology

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); hystero-, -ic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Stefani’s boyfriend and her roommate are in hysterics as they listen, but Zola is far from entertained.

From Salon

Fans online were left in hysterics, with one X user calling it "the TV highlight of the year" while another said we'd "peaked as a nation".

From BBC

"I remember mum – she was in hysterics, crying."

From BBC

Once recovered and breathing properly, one snicker from either of us in remembrance of what had been so funny, and off we would go, falling back into hysterics.

From Salon

And in overtime, after he brought the score within one on a touchdown run, Penunuri needed just one more big play — to convert a two-point conversion to send Rio Hondo’s sideline into hysterics.

From Los Angeles Times