Definitions

1. noun

an intense and uncontrollable emotion, especially anxiety or excitement, often to an irrational degree; a state of frantic or uncontrolled emotion, especially in women, often attributed to a supposed disorder of the uterus.

“The crowd’s hysteria at the concert was infectious and led to a frenzy of dancing and singing.”

2. noun

a condition of extreme anxiety or excitement, often in women, associated with a supposed disorder of the uterus (now considered a historical medical concept).

“In the 19th century, women were often diagnosed with hysteria due to unexplained physical symptoms.”

3. noun

a state of intense excitement or enthusiasm.

“The crowd’s hysteria when their team scored the winning goal was electric.”

4. verb

to cause or express intense excitement or enthusiasm.

“The news of the new movie’s release caused hysteria among its fans.”

5. verb

to attribute an unexplained physical symptom or emotional state to hysteria.

“In the past, women’s complaints were often dismissed with a diagnosis of hysteria.”