hysteric

noun

hys·​ter·​ic hi-ˈster-ik 

1

: a person subject to or affected by hysteria

2

: an overemotional or unstable person

He's a sweet-natured hysteric who overresponds to every stimulus.

—Pauline Kael

see also hysterics

Examples of hysteric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While most gun owners, like me, rightly roll their eyes at these performative hysterics, there are a few who take these extremists' warnings at face value. —Tim Ryan, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025

The captain cocked his stick back and launched a wrister past Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger to give the hosts a 3-0 lead and send Ball Arena into complete hysterics. —Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 26 Apr. 2025

The clip, which has been viewed 1.6 million times, caused hysterics online. —Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025

In a methodical drive that won the game, Daniels ran for 42 yards and passed for 32, with the last two yards coming on a short touchdown pass to Ertz that ended the game and sent the burgundy-and-gold-clad fans into hysterics. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN, 18 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hysteric

• anti-hysteric

Rhymes for hysteric

• chimeric
• dimeric
• generic
• homeric
• numeric
• allosteric
• amphoteric
• anomeric
• atmospheric
• chromospheric
• climacteric
• congeneric

Medical Definition

hysteric

noun

hys·​ter·​ic his-ˈter-ik 

: an individual subject to or affected by hysteria