hysteric

[hi-ster-ik]

noun

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

2. a person subject to hysteria.

adjective

1. hysterical.

hysteric

/ hɪˈstɛrɪk /

noun

1. a hysterical person

adjective

1. hysterical

Other Word Forms

• antihysteric noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hysteric¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hysteric¹

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

Example Sentences

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

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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".

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The hysterics were obviously about the upcoming presidential election in 2016 and racist fears that Obama would not leave office without implementing the genocide the fringe right claimed was coming for white Christians.

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

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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.

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Related Words

• agitated 
• crazy 
• distraught 
• emotional 
• frantic 
• frenzied 
• furious 
• impassioned 
• mad 
• nervous 
• neurotic 
• overwrought 
• passionate 
• uncontrollable 
• vehement 
• violent