Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • A fit of uncontrollable laughter or crying: "hysterics" refers to an episode of extreme emotional outburst, typically characterized by loud, wild, or excessive laughter or weeping that is difficult to stop.
   • A state of extreme agitation or excitement: It can also describe a condition of frantic, irrational, or over-the-top emotional excitement.

Usage

• The word is almost always used in its plural form, "hysterics."
• It is commonly used with verbs like "go into," "have," "be in," or "send someone into."
• It often carries a slightly informal or dramatic tone, describing an emotional reaction perceived as excessive or irrational.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The comedian's joke was so funny it sent the entire audience into hysterics.
  • After hearing the shocking news, she broke down in hysterics and couldn't be consoled.
  • He was in hysterics, laughing until tears streamed down his face.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in hysterics": to be laughing or crying uncontrollably.
  • We were in hysterics watching the puppy chase its own tail.
• "to go into hysterics": to suddenly start laughing or crying uncontrollably.
  • She went into hysterics when she saw the surprise party.
• "to reduce someone to hysterics": to cause someone to laugh or cry uncontrollably.
  • His ridiculous impression of the teacher reduced the class to hysterics.

Variants and Related Words

• Hysteria (noun): The general state of extreme or uncontrollable emotion, excitement, or fear from which "hysterics" derives.
  • The announcement caused mass hysteria among the fans.
• Hysterical (adjective): 1. Characterized by or arising from hysteria. 2. (Informal) Extremely funny.
  • She was hysterical with grief. (Meaning 1)
  • That movie was absolutely hysterical! (Meaning 2)

Synonyms

• Fits: Sudden, uncontrollable outbursts of laughter or emotion.
• Convulsions: Violent, involuntary movements or contractions; used figuratively for laughter.
• Paroxysms: A sudden attack or violent expression of a particular emotion or activity.

Related Phrases

• Screaming hysterics: Emphasizes the loud, frantic nature of the outburst.
  • The toddler threw a tantrum of screaming hysterics in the supermarket.

Idioms

• Laugh oneself into hysterics: To laugh so hard one loses control.
  • The blooper reel was so good, we laughed ourselves into hysterics.

Noun

1. an attack of hysteria