Hysterical - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Hysterical describes extreme, uncontrollable emotion, often laughter or panic. It can also refer to something wildly funny. The term implies an exaggerated or irrational reaction beyond normal behavior.
Definition:
Overcome with uncontrollable emotion, often laughter or fear, to an exaggerated degree.
Synonyms:
frantic, frenzied, uncontrollable, wild
Part of Speech:
adjective
Antonyms:
calm, composed
Common Collocations:
hysterical laughter, hysterical crying, hysterical reaction
Derivatives:
hysteria, hysterically
Usage Tips:
Use "hysterical" to describe extreme emotional reactions, often exaggerated or irrational in nature.
Common Phrases:
laughing hysterically, hysterical fit, hysterical outburst
Etymology:
Derived from Greek "hysterikos," relating to the womb (historically linked to female emotional instability).
Examples:
- 1. She burst into hysterical laughter at the joke.
- 2. The crowd became hysterical when the celebrity appeared.
- 3. His hysterical reaction scared everyone in the room.
- 4. The movie was so funny it left us hysterical.