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

Think of the fearless suffragists, who were deemed hysteric.

From Time

Or, they could distort the contents of the bill and attack anyone who disagreed with them as a legal Luddite and hysteric.

From The Daily Beast

On Bates Motel, Vera Farmiga masterfully transforms a would-be harridan into a new kind of protagonist: the sensual hysteric.

From The Daily Beast

In short, he was still perfectly maintaining that biblical "is he a prophet, is he a hysteric" look.

From The Daily Beast

The same holds true for the hysteric in whom also, of course, the subconscious takes hold of the inner life.

From Project Gutenberg

This was followed by a bustle among the servants, and screams as of a person in an hysteric fit.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a sort of glorying in its deep tone; it was not the hollow hysteric of shame and despair—it spoke a sanguine joyousness!

From Project Gutenberg

Hysteric shudders were shaking her every few seconds, and her eyes were blinded with weeping.

From Project Gutenberg

She laughed, as she said it, a little hysteric laugh, with suddenly moist eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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