hysteria

[hɪˈstɪə.ri.ə]

hysteria Definition

• 1. a state of extreme fear, excitement, or anger in which a person loses control of their feelings and behaviour
• 2. a situation in which people behave or react in an extreme or uncontrolled way because they are frightened or worried about something

Using hysteria: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hysteria" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The news of the pandemic caused widespread hysteria among the public.

• Example

  The crowd's hysteria grew as the rockstar stepped on stage.

• Example

  The politician's speech was met with hysteria from his supporters.

hysteria Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hysteria

• panic
• frenzy
• madness
• delirium
• hullabaloo

Antonyms for hysteria

• calmness
• composure

Idioms Using hysteria

• a fit of hysteria

  an episode of extreme emotional outburst or panic

  Example

  She had a fit of hysteria when she saw the spider crawling towards her.

• hysteria on the part of someone

  an instance where someone behaves in an irrational or exaggerated manner due to fear or anxiety

  Example

  The hysteria on the part of the passengers caused chaos on the plane.

• hysteria over something

  an instance where people become overly excited or panicked about something

  Example

  There was hysteria over the release of the new iPhone, with people camping outside stores for days.

Phrases with hysteria

• mass hysteria

  a phenomenon where a large group of people exhibit similar hysterical symptoms, often due to a perceived threat or danger

  Example

  The town experienced mass hysteria after reports of a ghost sighting spread.

• hysterical laughter

  uncontrollable and prolonged fits of laughter that are often inappropriate or exaggerated

  Example

  The comedian's jokes had the audience in hysterical laughter.

• hysterical blindness

  a condition where a person experiences temporary loss of vision without any physical cause, often due to psychological trauma

  Example

  After witnessing a traumatic event, she suffered from hysterical blindness for several days.

Origins of hysteria

from Latin 'hystericus', meaning 'of the womb'

📌

Summary: hysteria in Brief

The term 'hysteria' [hɪˈstɪə.ri.ə] refers to a state of extreme fear, excitement, or anger in which a person loses control of their feelings and behaviour. It can also describe a situation in which people behave or react in an extreme or uncontrolled way because they are frightened or worried about something. Examples include the news of the pandemic causing widespread hysteria among the public and the crowd's hysteria growing as the rockstar stepped on stage. The term extends into phrases like 'mass hysteria,' and idioms like 'a fit of hysteria,' denoting episodes of extreme emotional outburst or panic.