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hysteria

hysteria

82 6.1
An extreme, uncontrolled feeling of fear or excitement
  • noun
  • /hɪˈstɪəriə/
translation icon : histeria
  • Even casual strangers caught up in the mass hysteria of this incredible multitude.
  • mass hysteria
  • public hysteria
  • anti-immigrant hysteria

Can't stand all this hysteria and, and, and restriction.

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Examples

  • There's no need for all this hysteria.

  • A move like that would lead to hysteria.

  • So I do not want to say that all hysteria is bad, but it should be limited.

    Academic text (2000)
  • The hysteria that followed led to the Great Depression.

  • There is panic and worry and hysteria, but you can stay the same.

  • If there is one thing we cannot afford at this time, it is hysteria.

  • They said it was mass hysteria.

  • "But," he went on, "even this was not enough to explain the 'hysteria' provoked by the revelations."

    Academic text (1997)
  • This is the state of affairs you have in an era of racial hysteria and racial code wording.

  • The crowd erupted in hysteria when the celebrity appeared on stage, all screaming and cheering wildly.

Synonyms

panic
vshysteria
394 2.7

A sudden strong feeling of fear that makes you lose control

is broader, covering many extreme emotions beyond fear alone
frenzy
vshysteria
136 4.9

A state of wild, uncontrolled excitement or activity

is similar but can include any extreme emotion, not only violent action
madness
vshysteria
88 4.9

Very strong excitement or enthusiasm

is the wider uncontrollable emotional state rather than only excited zeal
fever
vshysteria
70 6.6

A time of very strong excitement and busy activity

is the full uncontrolled emotional condition rather than just nervous excitement
mania
vshysteria
24 6.6

A strong, often sudden interest in something like a toy or hobby that many people like

is broader, covering uncontrolled emotion beyond focused enthusiasm
in a panic
vshysteria
19 4.3

To feel sudden strong fear and act without thinking

covers extreme emotion generally, not only brief anxious episodes
hysterics
vshysteria
  • Informal
14 5.9

A sudden time when someone cannot stop crying or laughing

is a general state of extreme emotion rather than a specific outburst
fever pitch
vshysteria
  • Informal
8 5.3

A time when people feel very strong excitement together

is broader and includes extreme emotions besides excitement
paroxysm
vshysteria
3 9.9

A sudden strong burst of feeling, for example coughing or laughter

is a continuing state of extreme emotion rather than a single attack
wildness
vshysteria
2 4.4

A very strong, uncontrolled feeling such as excitement or grief

is the broader medical or popular label for such overwhelming emotion
freakout
vshysteria
  • Informal
2 7.2

A sudden strong emotional reaction that can cause panic or loss of control

is the overall condition of extreme emotion rather than a single reaction
state of excitement
vshysteria
1 3.1

A strong feeling of joy and energy that makes you unable to sit still

is more extreme and often involves loss of control or excess
febrile excitement
vshysteria
  • Formal
9.1

A state of very strong, nervous eagerness and energy about something

is a wider state of uncontrollable emotion, not limited to enthusiasm
rabid enthusiasm
vshysteria
7.2

Very strong excitement that goes too far and is not reasonable

is a general extreme emotional state not confined to fanatical support

Antonyms

48 4.4

A calm, peaceful feeling without worry

9 2.7

A state without strong feelings or worry in your mind

Compounds

11 6.1

Many people feel strong fear and act in a panicked, irrational way

9.9

A condition where strong emotions cause physical symptoms without a medical cause

epidemic hysteria
  • Specialized
8.8

A large group of people suddenly become very afraid and act without thinking, spreading quickly

9.4

A mental health condition causing physical symptoms without a clear medical cause and linked to strong anxiety

How Hysterical

hysteria
82 6.1
anxiety
423 3.5
unease
19 4.4

Surface Forms

hysteria singular
hysterias plural

Morphology

hysteria = hyster + ia

Although built from the Greek combining form 'hyster-' (womb) + the nominal suffix '-ia', the modern meaning 'extreme uncontrollable emotion' is not transparently derived from 'womb' and cannot be guessed by an average learner.

Etymology

Hysteria comes from the old Greek word hystera meaning 'womb', because ancient doctors thought the womb could cause strange feelings. That's why today hysteria means a state of extreme or uncontrollable emotion, like panic or wild excitement.