hysterical

UK: hɪˈsterɪk(ə)l | US: hɪˈsterɪk(ə)l

Definition

  1. adj. 1. affected by or deriving from wildly uncontrolled emotion (e.g., hysterical laughter)

  2. adj. 2. extremely funny (informal)

  3. adj. 3. (archaic) relating to hysteria (a psychological disorder historically attributed to women)

Structure
hyster <womb (from Greek *hystera*) + ical<adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word traces back to Greek hystera (ὑστέρα), meaning "womb." In ancient medicine, "hysteria" was believed to be a female disorder caused by disturbances in the uterus. Over time, the term broadened to describe excessive emotional outbursts, losing its gendered connotation. The suffix -ical (from Latin -icalis) forms adjectives, giving "hysterical" its modern meaning of uncontrolled emotion or exaggerated humor.

Examples

  1. The audience burst into hysterical laughter during the comedian’s performance.

  2. She became hysterical after hearing the shocking news.

  3. His hysterical reaction to the prank surprised everyone.

  4. The movie’s absurd plot was downright hysterical.

  5. (Historical) 19th-century doctors often misdiagnosed anxiety as hysterical behavior.