hysteric

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noun hys·ter·ic \ hi-ˈster-ik \

Definition of hysteric

1 :a person subject to or suffering from hysteria

2 :an overemotional or unstable person

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

— see also hysterics

See hysteric defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of hysteric from the Web

The Reds' ball movement, spacing and lethal counterattack had the Kop in hysterics, and the Sadio Mane-Roberto Firmino-Mohamed Salah-Emre Can attack makes Philippe Coutinho appear less necessary by the game.

— avi creditor, SI.com, "Weekend Winners: Liverpool, Barcelona, Asensio Shine Before International Break," 28 Aug. 2017
King alternates between pouting and hysterics, while more experienced actors like Phillippe and Sherilyn Fenn just look bored.

— loey lockerby, kansascity, "‘Wish Upon’ takes horror movies to new levels of stupidity," 13 July 2017
The hysterics surrounding Russia merely serve to distract from accomplishing the priorities of the American people -- and for what, partisan gain?

— mark meadows, CNN, "Mark Meadows: How Russia hysteria paralyzes Congress," 5 June 2017
The Green dunk on a Curry dime that sent the locals into hysterics.

— sam amick, USA TODAY, "Can LeBron and the Cavs combat the Kevin Durant-charged Warriors?," 2 June 2017
There are no cuts to audience members in hysterics.

— david sims, The Atlantic, "The Bracing Authenticity of Chris Gethard's Career Suicide," 8 May 2017
Springsteen & Company made it nearly to the end without incident, and with the crowd in hysterics.

— david remnick, The New Yorker, "Chuck Berry Lives!," 18 Mar. 2017
My girlfriend was on the phone with her mom in hysterics for most of the day yesterday.

— laura beck, Cosmopolitan, "7 Super-Scary Stories That Will Make You Wanna Sleep With the Lights On," 31 Oct. 2015

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hysteric.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of hysteric

1751

Medical Dictionary

hysteric

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noun hys·ter·ic \ his-ˈter-ik \

medical Definition of hysteric

:an individual subject to or affected with hysteria

Learn More about hysteric

Britannica English: Translation of hysteric for Arabic speakers

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hysteric

Definition of hysteric

Recent Examples of hysteric from the Web

First Known Use of hysteric

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hysteric

medical Definition of hysteric

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