hysterical

[hɪˈstɛɹɪkəl]
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An emotional outburst or reaction can be called hysterical. Someone's behavior might seem over-the-top or excessive because they're extremely upset.

When we say someone is being hysterical, it usually means their emotions are getting the better of them. They might start crying uncontrollably, talking loudly, or making a scene in public. This word isn't just used for strong negative emotions like anger or sadness – you can also call a reaction hysterical if it's a mix of fear and excitement, often about something out of their control, like a surprise event or news. It's not always a bad thing to be labeled as hysterical; in some cases, it means someone is simply passionate and expressive.

How common is "hysterical"?

Word hysterical is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions

adjective

  • Of, or arising from hysteria.

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Real examples of "hysterical" in context

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