HYSTERIC Meaning and
Definition
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The term "hysteric" functions as an adjective that refers to a person who is exhibiting excessive or uncontrollable emotional reactions. It describes a state of intense and uncontrolled emotions, typically characterized by extreme fear, anxiety, or excitement. The word is derived from the Greek word "hysterikos," meaning "of the womb," as historically, hysteric behavior was attributed to the uterus affecting a woman's mental state.
When used to describe an individual's behavior, being hysteric implies that the person's emotions are overtaking their rationality, often leading to irrational thoughts or actions. This emotional state can manifest as wild or frantic behavior, including excessive crying, screaming, or laughter, which may seem disproportionate to the situation at hand. Hysteric behavior is often observed during moments of extreme stress, panic, or when faced with traumatic events.
It is important to note that the term "hysteric" has been historically associated with gender bias and used predominantly to describe women. However, its usage has evolved, and it is now recognized that individuals of any gender can exhibit hysteric behavior.
In contemporary usage, the term "hysteric" is also employed metaphorically to describe situations or events that evoke strong emotional responses on a collective scale. For example, one may refer to a concert as a "hysteric atmosphere," implying that the crowd's emotions are intense and overwhelming.
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1. Hysterical. 2. An hysterical person.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Affected with, or liable to, hysterics.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for HYSTERIC *
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Other Common Misspellings for HYSTERIC
Etymology of HYSTERIC
The word "hysteric" has its origins in the Greek word "hysterikos", which means "of the womb" or "suffering in the womb". This is because in ancient Greece, hysteria was primarily associated with women and was believed to stem from disturbances in the uterus. The Greek term "hysteria" was used to describe a condition characterized by various emotional and physical symptoms believed to have resulted from the movement of the uterus within a woman's body. Over time, the meaning of "hysteria" expanded to include similar symptoms in both women and men, although the root association with the womb remained. In the early 17th century, the word "hysteria" in English evolved into "hysteric" to describe someone experiencing hysterical symptoms or behavior.
Similar spelling words for HYSTERIC
- hysterical,
- hystericky,
- hysterotomy,
- historica,
- historico,
- Historick,
- hysterics,
- Hysterick,
- Hysterica,
- hysteria,
- historique,
- un-historic,
- hysteresis,
- hysteriac,
- historic,
- hystricidae,
- housetruck,
- pre-historic,
- historico-cultural.
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