noun
- extreme or uncontrollable emotion or excitement, especially among a group of people
- a psychological condition characterized by severe anxiety and emotional disturbance
Usage: medical; dated
Examples
- Mass hysteria broke out when people thought they saw a UFO.
- The announcement caused hysteria among the fans.
- She tried to calm the hysteria in the crowded theater.
- The media coverage led to public hysteria about the disease.
- His hysteria made it difficult for others to reason with him.
- The doctor diagnosed her condition as hysteria in the 1800s.