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hysterical

adjective

/hɪˈstɛr ɪ kəl/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of hysterical

Characterized by extreme and uncontrollable emotions, often including intense fear, anxiety, or excitement.
"The woman's hysterical outburst during the argument made it impossible for anyone to reason with her."

Detailed meaning of hysterical

When someone is hysterical, they may exhibit exaggerated or irrational reactions to a situation, becoming overwhelmed by their emotions and losing control over their thoughts and actions. Their behavior may be marked by excessive crying, laughing, shouting, or other outward expressions of heightened emotion. The term "hysterical" is often associated with a lack of rationality or the inability to think clearly due to the overwhelming emotional state. It implies a temporary loss of composure or stability, typically triggered by a specific event or circumstance.

Example sentences containing hysterical

1. The comedian's performance was so funny that the entire audience was in hysterical laughter.
2. When the spider crawled across her desk, she let out a hysterical scream and jumped out of her chair.
3. The horror movie was so terrifying that it left me in a state of hysterical fear.
4. The children's game quickly turned into a hysterical chase as they ran around the park, laughing uncontrollably.
5. The surprise announcement from their favorite band caused a hysterical reaction among the fans, who couldn't contain their excitement.
6. The roller coaster ride was so thrilling that it left me breathless and in a state of hysterical exhilaration.

History and etymology of hysterical

The adjective 'hysterical' has its roots in the ancient Greek word 'hystera,' which referred to the womb or uterus. In ancient times, it was believed that certain emotional and psychological disturbances, particularly those observed in women, were linked to the uterus. This belief led to the coining of the term 'hysteria' to describe a range of symptoms, including extreme and uncontrollable emotions such as fear, anxiety, or excitement. Over time, the term evolved, and 'hysterical' came to be associated with any intense emotional reaction that appeared irrational or out of control. While our understanding of psychology and medicine has evolved significantly since then, the etymology of 'hysterical' serves as a historical reminder of the once-held belief that emotional disturbances were related to the uterus, even though our modern usage has moved beyond this association.

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Further usage examples of hysterical

1. The news of the sudden job loss sent him into a state of hysterical panic, as he worried about his future.
2. The comedy show was so hysterical that it had the audience in stitches from start to finish.
3. The little girl's temper tantrum escalated into a hysterical fit, with tears and screams echoing through the room.
4. The clown's antics were so hysterical that even the most serious individuals couldn't help but burst into laughter.
5. The prank played on him was so unexpected that it triggered a hysterical reaction, with him shouting and flailing his arms in disbelief.
6. Her hysterical laughter filled the room with contagious joy.
7. The news of his promotion left him feeling hysterical.
8. The horror movie left the audience in a state of hysterical fear.
9. She became hysterical when she couldn't find her phone.
10. The comedian's jokes had the audience in hysterical fits of laughter.
11. His hysterical reaction to the surprise party was priceless.
12. The sudden thunderstorm made the children hysterical with fear.
13. The crowd's hysterical cheering echoed through the stadium.
14. The unexpected turn of events left her feeling hysterical.
15. Her hysterical sobbing was a reaction to the heartbreaking news.
16. The cat's antics had the kids in hysterical giggles.
17. The roller coaster ride left her feeling hysterical with excitement.
18. The suspenseful movie had everyone on the edge of their seats, feeling hysterical.
19. He had a hysterical outburst of anger after the argument.
20. The comedian's performance had the audience in hysterical stitches.
21. She couldn't contain her hysterical relief when her lost dog was found.
22. The haunted house attraction left visitors in a state of hysterical fright.
23. The unexpected twist in the plot had readers feeling hysterical.
24. The car suddenly stalling on the highway left him in a state of hysterical panic.
25. Her hysterical reaction to the surprise marriage proposal was pure happiness.