hysteric

 
Pronunciation: /hɪˈstɛrɪk/

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)