hysteric

[ hi-ster-ik ]

noun

1. Usually hysterics. a fit of uncontrollable laughter or weeping; hysteria.
2. a person subject to hysteria.

adjective

1. hysterical.

hysteric

/ hɪˈstɛrɪk /

noun

1. a hysterical person

adjective

1. hysterical

Other Words From

• anti·hys·teric noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hysteric¹

1650–60; < Latin hystericus < Greek hysterikós, suffering in the womb, hysterical (reflecting the Greeks' belief that hysteria was peculiar to women and caused by disturbances in the uterus); hystero-, -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of hysteric¹

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

Example Sentences

In his new book "The Cancel Culture Panic: How an American Obsession Went Global," Stanford professor Adrian Daub argues that the hysterics over this alleged trend amount to a moral panic.

From Salon

As the scene ended, all the women were in hysterics, ribbing each other over how they could better play their parts next time.

From New York Times

Freud’s famous case study of a “hysteric” cured by the nascent practice of psychoanalysis.

From New York Times

Trump himself definitely doesn't believe his own hysterics.

From Salon

My notes also read that "Emily has hysteric attacks when she does not get her own way".

From BBC

Related Words

• agitated
• crazy
• distraught
• emotional
• frantic
• frenzied
• furious
• impassioned
• mad
• nervous
• neurotic
• overwrought
• passionate
• uncontrollable
• vehement
• violent