mass hysteria

noun

, Psychology.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of mass hysteria¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

Polanski has called that reckoning a "mass hysteria...like the French Revolution or the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre in France."

From Salon

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

Just as some pro-Palestinian activists demonized all Zionists as evil and pro-genocide — ignoring the wide range of viewpoints within the Zionist community — Burnett thought some pro-Israel counterprotesters were dehumanizing student activists in the encampment and spreading a “mass hysteria narrative.”

From Los Angeles Times

Originally written as a criticism of the political actions of the administration of former President George W. Bush, “American Idiot” also protested what Green Day saw as the coordinated mass hysteria created by the U.S. news media after 9/11.

From Los Angeles Times

“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