hysterical
pronunciation
How to pronounce hysterical in British English:
UK [hɪˈsterɪkl]
How to pronounce hysterical in American English:
US [hɪˈsterɪkl]
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- Adjective:
- characterized by or arising from psychoneurotic hysteria
- marked by excessive or uncontrollable emotion
Word Origin
- hysterical (adj.)
- 1610s, from Latin hystericus "of the womb," from Greek hysterikos "of the womb, suffering in the womb," from hystera "womb" (see uterus). Originally defined as a neurotic condition peculiar to women and thought to be caused by a dysfunction of the uterus. Meaning "very funny" (by 1939) is from the notion of uncontrollable fits of laughter. Related: Hysterically.
Synonym
Example
- 1. He found his critics and fans a bit hysterical .
- 2. Forget the hysterical arguments about the viability of broker-dealers .
- 3. Getting hysterical or making accusations will not help the situation .
- 4. This explains the kremlin 's hysterical behaviour towards election monitors .
- 5. Even the hysterical warnings of a constitutional crisis seemed a little overblown .