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View synonyms for hysterical

hysterical

[hi-ster-i-kuhl]

adjective

  1. uncontrollably emotional.

  2. irrational from fear, emotion, or an emotional shock.

  3. causing unrestrained laughter; very funny.

    Oh, that joke is hysterical!

  4. Psychoanalysis, Psychiatry.

    1. of, relating to, or characterized by hysteria.

      hysterical psychosis.

    2. causing hysteria.

    3. experiencing or subject to hysteria.

      hysterical patients.



hysterical

/ hɪˈstɛrɪkəl /

adjective

  1. of or suggesting hysteria

    hysterical cries

  2. suffering from hysteria

  3. informal,  wildly funny

“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
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Other Word Forms

  • hysterically adverb
  • overhysterical adjective
  • posthysterical adjective
  • semihysterical adjective
  • unhysterical adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of hysterical1

First recorded in 1605–15; from Latin hysteric(us) hysteric + -al 1
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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.

The hysterical posturing is even more implausible when you realize existing stars will be AI’s biggest beneficiaries when it spawns lucrative new interactive opportunities.

"I remember getting really hysterical writing it. It was absolutely joyous, it was magic."

Read more on BBC

“He was traumatized and hysterical that his house was destroyed, his two dogs and two cats were inside and that they were all dead,” Hirscher said in a phone interview.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

On Monday, after the drawing was published, the caterwauling from the White House grew hysterical.

Read more on Salon

It’s not hysterical to think it could happen.

Read more on Salon

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When To Use

More context on hysterical

In everyday usage, hysterical means "uncontrollably emotional."But guess who usually gets marked with that label? Women. What’s more, hysterical comes from the Greek word for "womb." It was once thought that hysteria was a condition that only affected women—and was caused by disturbances in the uterus.

Given the sexism associated with this word, hysterical isn’t exactly a laughing matter.

If knowing the history of hysterical has got you reflecting on your word choices, this slideshow, "These Common Words Have Offensive Histories," discusses many other words whose place in your vocab you may want to reconsider. 

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