Hysterical
hɪˈstɛrɪkəl
Definitions
2 meaningsExhibiting or caused by uncontrolled emotion, especially fear or excitement, often to the point of losing self-control.
hɪˈstɛrɪkəl
Characterized by excessive or uncontrollable emotion, typically fear or panic.
The audience became hysterical when the band took the stage.
💡 Simply: Imagine someone who's so scared or excited that they're screaming, crying, or laughing uncontrollably. That person is being hysterical! It’s like when you're on a rollercoaster, but maybe a little *too* much fun, or scary!
👶 For kids: When someone gets really, really, REALLY upset or excited and they can't stop crying or laughing, they are being hysterical.
More Examples
The news report caused a hysterical reaction among the residents.
She was almost hysterical with relief when she found her lost dog.
How It's Used
"The patient was experiencing a hysterical reaction to the traumatic event."
"She became hysterical when she saw the fire."
(Historically) Relating to or caused by a condition characterized by excessive emotional displays and irrational behavior, formerly attributed to the uterus.
hɪˈstɛrɪkəl
Relating to or caused by hysteria.
The article discussed the historical treatment of hysterical women.
💡 Simply: This meaning is related to the medical use of the word. It describes something that is caused by or connected to the older idea of hysteria.
👶 For kids: It's like when something is happening because of a medical thing called 'hysteria', which doctors used to think was caused by problems in a girl's body.
More Examples
Some of the symptoms were described as hysterical fits.
The obsolete use of the word referred to conditions thought to be caused by the uterus.
How It's Used
"The doctor diagnosed her with a hysterical disorder."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
work oneself into a hysterical state
To become extremely upset or excited about something.
"She really worked herself into a hysterical state over the lost keys."
From Greek *husterikos* 'suffering in the womb', referring to a supposed disorder of the uterus (hysteria), and by extension, emotional outbursts and uncontrolled behavior.
Historically used (and, often, misused) to describe women's emotional states, the term is now considered outdated in medical contexts and is generally used more broadly to describe extreme emotional states.
Memory tip
Think of a siren – someone who's hysterical is making a lot of noise and acting out of control.
Word Origin
"relating to the uterus"