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hysteric

Pronunciation: /hɪˈstɛrɪk/

Definition of hysteric

noun

  • 1 (hysterics) informal a wildly emotional and exaggerated reaction:the widow had hysterics and the inquest was wrapped up quickly
  • uncontrollable laughter:they began to giggle and fled upstairs in hysterics
  • 2a person suffering from hysteria.

adjective

Origin:

mid 17th century (as an adjective): via Latin from Greek husterikos 'of the womb', from hustera 'womb' (hysteria being thought to be specific to women and associated with the womb)

hysteric in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of hysteric in the US English dictionary
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