noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
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); see 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.
"Going Into Hysteric" Sirs: When I read the article on Japan which had been printed in your journal issued on July 14, I could not refrain from laughing.
From Time Magazine Archive
Hysteric dreams, the childishness of the mysterious, the insanity of the miraculous, are no part of that.
From The Soul of a People by Fielding, H. (Harold)
Hysteric shudders were shaking her every few seconds, and her eyes were blinded with weeping.
From In Connection with the De Willoughby Claim by Burnett, Frances Hodgson
Hysteric ecstasy, new fierce, now faint, But ever fever-sick, shook not his lyre With epileptic fervours.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 103, October 15, 1892 by Burnand, F. C. (Francis Cowley), Sir
Hysteric sobs and cries ended Mrs. Sedley's speech—it echoed through every room in the small house, whereof the other female inmates heard every word of the colloquy.
From Vanity Fair by Thackeray, William Makepeace
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
