Meaning & Definition of word "Hysterical"
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Hysterical
/hɪˈstɛrɪkəl/
adjective:
- 1. Affected by or exhibiting hysteria, characterized by uncontrollable emotions such as laughter or weeping.
- Example: After hearing the joke, she was in a hysterical fit of laughter.
- 2. Extremely funny or ridiculous.
- Example: The comedian's hysterical routine had the audience roaring with laughter.
- 3. Involving or characterized by wild excitement or overwhelming emotion.
- Example: The fans were hysterical when their team won the championship.
- 4. Relating to or denoting a state of hysteria.
- Example: His hysterical reaction to the news was unexpected.
Etymology
From the Greek 'hystera' meaning uterus, reflecting historical associations with women's emotional states.
Common Phrases and Expressions
hysterical laughter:
Uncontrollable laughter that can be a result of extreme emotion.
hysterical fit:
An episode of uncontrolled emotion or behavior.
hysterical reaction:
A severe emotional response to a situation.
Related Words
hysteria:
An exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement.
hysterectomy:
Surgical removal of the uterus.
hysterics:
Uncontrollable laughter or crying.
Slang Meanings of hysterical
Meaning: Laugh-out-loud funny.
Example Sentence: That TikTok was hysterical; I had to share it!
Meaning: Acting overly dramatic.
Example Sentence: She was being so hysterical over a small mistake.