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 • Sep. 14, 2025

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 • Aug. 23, 2024

“There’s precedent for this type of almost mass hysteria in the medical industry, unfortunately, and we’re seeing it. But it can’t go on indefinitely. It’s too irrational,” Mr. LiMandri said.

From Washington Times • Dec. 5, 2023

A small group of nobodies on TikTok saying dumb shit is not a viral trend that necessitates mass hysteria in response.

From Slate • Nov. 16, 2023

For decades, the Princeton study was cited as evidence that the Halloween broadcast caused mass hysteria.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow