noun
hysteria
hih-STEH-ree-uh
noun
1
A state of extreme, uncontrollable emotion, ranging from panic to wild excitement.
"News of the surprise winner sent the crowd into hysteria."
"The rumor spread quickly, causing widespread hysteria."
How to Use Hysteria
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA wave of extreme, often irrational emotion or panic.
Common mistake
The word's origin (linking emotion to the womb) is outdated and considered sexist; modern usage just means extreme collective emotion.
Common pairings
mass hysteria
whip up hysteria
Word Forms
hysterias plural, hysteriae plural, hysteriæ plural
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News of the surprise winner sent the crowd into _____.
Etymology
From Latin hystericus, from Greek hysterikos ("suffering in the womb") — from hystera ("womb"). Ancient physicians wrongly attributed this emotional state to the uterus.