hysteria
UK: hɪˈstɪəriə | US: hɪˈstɪriə
n. exaggerated or uncontrollable emotion or excitement
n. (historical) a psychological disorder attributed to dysfunction of the uterus (archaic medical term)
The word "hysteria" originates from the Greek hystera (ὑστέρα), meaning "womb" or "uterus." In ancient Greek medicine, it was believed that certain emotional disturbances in women were caused by a "wandering uterus" disrupting bodily functions. This archaic concept evolved into the modern term, which now broadly refers to extreme emotional states, detached from its original gendered medical context. The suffix -ia denotes a condition or state, common in medical terminology.
The crowd's hysteria reached a peak when the celebrity appeared on stage.
In the 19th century, hysteria was often misdiagnosed in women exhibiting anxiety.
The news sparked hysteria among investors, causing a market crash.
His speech was dismissed as mere hysteria by critics.
The film's climax was designed to evoke hysteria in the audience.