hysteric

noun

hys·​ter·​ic hi-ˈster-ik How to pronounce hysteric (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When the kids start to settle in for bed, a rogue flashlight off in the distance scares them into hysterics. Fletcher Peters, Vulture, 1 Aug. 2024 At the wave of his hand, congregants would fall to the floor shrieking and convulsing in rapturous hysterics. Laura Bullard, Vox, 20 Sep. 2024 Its interest stems from how the scenes land like a series of vignettes, that transition from stillness to hysterics on a dime. Beandrea July, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2024 Louis’s friends thought Fanny a hysteric on the subject, always crying wolf. Phyllis Rose, The Atlantic, 7 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hysteric 

Word History

First Known Use

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hysteric was in 1654

Dictionary Entries Near hysteric

Cite this Entry

“Hysteric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hysteric. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

hysteric

noun
hys·​ter·​ic his-ˈter-ik How to pronounce hysteric (audio)
: an individual subject to or affected by hysteria

More from Merriam-Webster on hysteric

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!