mass hysteria

American  

noun

Psychology.

1. a condition affecting a group of persons, characterized by excitement or anxiety, irrational behavior or beliefs, or inexplicable symptoms of illness.

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Etymology

Origin of mass hysteria

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

In some cases, they have attributed reported health-effects from fume exposure to factors including hyperventilation, jet lag, psychological stress, mass hysteria and malingering.

From The Wall Street Journal

The imperfect protagonist of “The Crucible” takes a heroic stand against the mass hysteria that is turning his Salem neighbors viciously against one another.

From Los Angeles Times

If the unchecked, unfounded Bey-Tay rumors now feel like a moment of virtual mass hysteria, it’s also easy to understand why so many of us got carried away with the showbiz wish-casting.

From Los Angeles Times

But after war breaks out, panic and civil unrest run rampant, with the local authorities unable to stem the tide of mass hysteria.

From Los Angeles Times

The Killers concluded their set with two consecutive different renditions of their eternal anthem Mr Brightside - the first a surprising synth reworking - prompting mass hysteria.

From BBC