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hysterically

hysterically

29 4.8
In a way that is out of control with loud laughter or crying
  • adverb
  • /hɪˈstɛrɪkli/
translation icon : histéricamente
  • She was laughing hysterically during the comedy show, unable to control her emotions.
  • laughing hysterically
  • crying hysterically
  • screaming hysterically

And then I held this little boy while he cried hysterically for almost an hour.

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Examples

  • And so I'm on the plane and I'm sobbing hysterically because this is happening to my best friends.

  • I'm getting complaints about a woman crying hysterically.

  • And I remember him laughing hysterically at this guy.

  • By the time we left, I did not know whether to laugh hysterically or simply cry.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • And then I held this little boy while he cried hysterically for almost an hour.

  • And yes, they were hysterically laughing because they threw gum in my hair.

  • And soon kids were running around laughing hysterically and screaming "Crazy Eddie!"

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Then they laughed hysterically, slammed the door, and were gone, leaving us in darkness.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • The next image I have is Rudi sobbing hysterically and being sick all over the stairs.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Eric grabs a woman teller who is crying hysterically and lifts her to her feet.

    Fiction book (1994)

Synonyms

madly
vshysterically
61 3.2

In a very wild and uncontrolled way

is specifically about strong emotional expression such as laughter or tears
uncontrollably
vshysterically
26 5.6

You cannot stop doing something because of strong feeling

is about extreme emotional display, often specifically laughter or crying
hilariously
vshysterically
  • Informal
12 2.5

In a very funny way that makes people laugh

includes uncontrolled crying as well as extreme laughter, not only humour
maniacally
vshysterically
8 7.9

In a very wild and excited way without control

is emotional rather than driven by obsession or frenzy
deliriously
vshysterically
5 6.3

With extreme joy and excitement that feels wild

is similar but centers on intense emotional reactions like laughing or crying
uproariously
vshysterically
2 6.3

In a very loud, happy way that makes people laugh

covers extreme emotion more broadly, not only loud humour
screamingly
vshysterically
  • Informal
1 7.9

Very funny or easy to notice

is about extreme emotional reactions rather than general intensity

Antonyms

110 1.0

In a calm, steady way without showing anger or nervousness

56 3.9

In a clear, reasonable way based on facts

How Hysterical

hysterically
29 4.8
agitatedly
1 5.7
anxiously
43 3.2
nervously
87 2.3
uneasily
19 4.2

Surface Forms

hysterically positive

Morphology

hysterically = hysterical (transparent) = hysteric + al + ly

The adverbial form 'hysterically' is clearly derived from the adjective 'hysterical' by adding the suffix '-ly'.

Etymology

Hysterically comes from the ancient Greek word hystera, meaning 'womb'; long ago some people believed the womb caused strong, wild emotions, so words like hysteria and hysteric described extreme, uncontrolled feeling. That's why hysterically now means doing something with wild, hard-to-control emotion, like loud laughing or crying.