hysteric
[hi-ster-ik]
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Origin of hysteric
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for hysterics
Contemporary Examples
“I have a horror of hysterics or sentimentality,” he explained.
And as soon as James yelled “cut,” they both burst into hysterics.
Exclusive: A Photo Essay on the Making of ‘The Spectacular Now’Michael H. Weber, Scott Neustadter
August 8, 2013
Though she prefers the phrase “going away” to the word “jail,” which sent her into hysterics in a recent episode.
The Newsroom transforms its female characters into hysterics and fools.
Back in 2007, a bubbly Diaz showed Jay Leno her burping skills on late-night TV and then went into hysterics.
Historical Examples
Think of Mrs M. falling into hysterics about a Captain Hope!
Vice was like hysterics—the more kindness you showed the worse grew the patient!
Weighed and WantingGeorge MacDonald
The great specialist had admitted nerves; hysterics had no standing with him.
Her Father's DaughterGene Stratton-Porter
The landlady was already in hysterics; the Vogt girls were pale but plucky.
Camps, Quarters and Casual PlacesArchibald Forbes
He actually had what in these days we call a fit of hysterics.
The Boy Life of NapoleonEugenie Foa
hysterics
- an attack of hysteria
- informal wild uncontrollable bursts of laughter
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hysteric
- a hysterical person
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- hysterical
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See also hysterics
Word Origin
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 hysterics
n.
1727, from hysterical. Sometimes in 19c. jocularly folk-etymologized as high-strikes (1838).
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hysteric
adj.
1650s, from Latin hystericus, from Greek hysterikos "belonging to the womb" (see hysterical). As a noun from 1751.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
hysteric
(hĭ-stĕr′ĭk)- A person suffering from hysteria.
- hysterics A fit of uncontrollable laughing or crying.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.