adjective / noun
hysteric
hih-STAIR-ik/hˌɪstˈɛrɪk/
Overwhelmed by intense, uncontrolled emotion.
She grows hysteric with fear when she cannot find her son.
Etymology
The “womb” connection reflects an obsolete medical belief that uterine dysfunction caused hysteria. The adjective became a noun for a person overcome by uncontrolled emotion.
More examples
- Her voice turns hysteric as the argument gets louder.
- Calling him a hysteric does nothing to calm him down.
- Even a small setback can send him into hysterics.
Forms
hysteric · hysterics
hysterical adjective — Showing intense emotion beyond ordinary self-control.
hysteria noun — A state of extreme, uncontrolled emotion.
Similar words
- frantic
- Suggests desperate activity driven by fear, worry, or urgency.
- distraught
- Emphasizes deep distress rather than a loss of emotional control.
- frenzied
- Emphasizes wild excitement or activity, not necessarily emotional distress.