hysteria

/his'tiəriə/

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Word: Hysteria

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition:Hysteria refers to a state of intense and uncontrollable emotion, often associated with fear, excitement, or anxiety. Historically, it was considered a neurotic disorder that involved extreme emotional reactions and unusual physical symptoms, such as shaking or fainting. Today, it is often used more generally to describe situations where people are overly emotional or panicked.

Usage Instructions:

1. General Use: You can use "hysteria" to describe a situation where people are acting very emotional, often in a chaotic or irrational way.
2. Context: It is often used in discussions about events that cause panic or fear among a group of people.

Examples:

• Everyday Example: "When the news of the storm spread, there was a moment of hysteria in the crowd as people rushed to find shelter."
• Advanced Example: "The political rally descended into hysteria as supporters began to shout and chant wildly, drowning out the speaker."

Word Variants:

• Hysterical (adjective): Describing someone who is in a state of hysteria or behaving in an exaggerated emotional manner.
  • Example: "She became hysterical when she heard the unexpected news."
• Hysterically (adverb): In a way that shows extreme emotion.
  • Example: "He laughed hysterically at the joke, unable to control himself."

Different Meanings:

• In modern contexts, "hysteria" can also refer to a collective outbreak of emotion among a group, such as "mass hysteria," where a large number of people react similarly to a stressful event.

Synonyms:

• Frenzy
• Panic
• Agitation
• Excitement
• Turmoil

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "hysteria," you can find related expressions that convey similar meanings: - "Caught up in the moment": This can refer to someone who loses control due to intense feelings, similar to hysteria. - "Running around like a chicken with its head cut off": This idiom describes someone acting in a frantic, disorganized manner, often due to panic.

Summary:

In summary, "hysteria" is a noun that describes a state of extreme emotional disturbance, often characterized by panic or excitement.

Academic

Noun

1. neurotic disorder characterized by violent emotional outbreaks and disturbances of sensory and motor functions
2. excessive or uncontrollable fear
3. state of violent mental agitation

Synonyms

• hysterical neurosis
• craze
• delirium
• frenzy
• fury