GREAT GIFT IDEA!

The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

✔ Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.9

Transform Your Vocabulary Today!

hysteria

noun

/hɪˈstɪərɪə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of hysteria

A state of extreme emotional agitation, often characterized by irrational behavior, excessive outbursts of emotion, and a heightened state of distress or excitement.
"The crowd erupted into hysteria when their favorite band took the stage."

Detailed meaning of hysteria

It can manifest as a collective or individual response to certain events, ideas, or situations that evoke intense fear, anxiety, or excitement. Hysteria is typically marked by a lack of logical reasoning and an exaggerated emotional response, which can lead to behaviors that might seem irrational or exaggerated. This term has historical connotations of being associated with mass panics or outbreaks of emotional distress, but it's important to note that the understanding of hysteria has evolved over time. In modern contexts, the term may also be used to describe exaggerated or overblown reactions to relatively minor stimuli, often highlighting the role of emotional factors in shaping human behavior and responses.

Example sentences containing hysteria

1. Mass hysteria swept through the town as rumors of an impending disaster spread.
2. The movie's intense scenes of suspense and horror generated a sense of hysteria among the audience.
3. During the earthquake, there was a brief moment of hysteria in the office as employees rushed to exit the building.
4. The news of the stock market crash caused widespread hysteria among investors.
5. The teacher tried to calm the hysteria in the classroom after a loud noise startled the students.
6. The outbreak of a mysterious illness led to widespread hysteria in the community.

History and etymology of hysteria

The noun 'hysteria' has an etymology rooted in ancient Greek medicine. It can be traced back to the Greek word 'hysterikos,' which means 'of the womb' or 'related to the uterus.' In ancient times, hysteria was believed to be a condition specific to women and attributed to disturbances or abnormalities in the uterus. This belief persisted for centuries, contributing to the term's association with irrational behavior, excessive emotional outbursts, and a heightened state of distress or excitement. Over time, our understanding of hysteria has evolved, and it is now recognized as a psychological condition that can affect individuals of any gender. The etymology of 'hysteria' reflects the historical misconceptions about its origins and the emotional turmoil it has come to symbolize.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun hysteria:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of hysteria

1. The politician's scandal created a media frenzy and resulted in a state of hysteria.
2. The soccer fans' hysteria reached a fever pitch when their team scored the winning goal.
3. The sudden thunderstorm outside the tent caused a momentary bout of hysteria among the campers.
4. The advertisement for the limited-time sale caused shopping hysteria at the mall.
5. The prank caused a momentary wave of hysteria among the students in the hallway.
6. The social media post went viral, leading to a state of online hysteria.
7. The medical condition was often misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary hysteria among patients.
8. The old abandoned house was rumored to be haunted, leading to a state of neighborhood hysteria.
9. The hysteria over the new gadget release resulted in long lines at the store.
10. The historical event caused widespread hysteria as people gathered to witness it.
11. The politician's controversial statement stirred up a frenzy of hysteria on social media.
12. The rumor of a wild animal on the loose created a state of hysteria in the small town.
13. The horror movie's climax induced screams of hysteria in the theater.
14. The onset of the pandemic led to a global state of hysteria as people grappled with uncertainty and fear.