hysterics
hysterics Lexical Profile
hysterics Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A wildly emotional, exaggerated, or uncontrollable outburst of fear, panic, or distress.
"The sudden announcement of the cancellation threw several passengers into hysterics."
Uncontrollable, convulsive laughter (especially in the phrase "in hysterics").
"The comedian's unexpected improvisation had the entire audience in hysterics."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Hysterics" is a plural-form noun that can take either a singular or plural verb depending on whether it refers to a general state or specific outbursts, and in informal usage (especially the phrase "in hysterics") it often means uncontrollable laughter rather than distress.
• Rhymes for hysterics
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the 17th-century adjective "hysteric," via Latin "hystericus" from Ancient Greek "hysterikos" ('of the womb'), reflecting the ancient medical belief that emotional disturbances were caused by a dysfunction of the uterus (Greek "hystera").