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

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

From New York Times

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

From BBC

“No one in the world would lend an ear to the hysteric fit of puppet traitor Yoon Suk Yeol, who is only wearing disgraceful ill fames of ‘political immature,’ ‘diplomatic idiot’ and ‘incompetent chief executive.’

From Seattle Times

State media have mainly referred to these as “hysteric reactions.”

From Washington Times

State media have mainly referred to these as “hysteric reactions.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

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