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hysterics
noun
hys·ter·ics
hi-ˈster-iks
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a fit of uncontrollable laughter or crying
Examples of hysterics in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
On the night of June 7, 2021, Murdaugh called the police in hysterics.
—Andrea Marks, Rolling Stone, 25 Jan. 2023
The unexpected loss sends the party into hysterics, with Benoit suspecting foul play as the lights of the compound go out—a melodramatic flair Miles had originally concocted to coincide with the dinner.
—Lauren Puckett-Pope, ELLE, 23 Dec. 2022
DeLonge, Barker and Hoppus cause hysterics around town and turn heads from running round totally naked, with the exception of socks and sneakers.
—Starr Bowenbank, Billboard, 13 Dec. 2022
While folks always think The Lost Daughter actress' looks are incredible, this bold one had them in hysterics.
—Adrianna Freedman, Good Housekeeping, 10 Dec. 2022
More free speech on Twitter ‘will literally kill people,’ cry the hysterics.
—Nate Hochman, National Review, 3 Dec. 2022
Brecken Merrill does a fantastic job in a claustrophobic scene as Tate struggles to get out of the car wreck, as well as his subsequent shock and hysterics while searching for his mother.
—William Earl, Variety, 13 Nov. 2022
Her melismatic runs sent a female congregant into spasms of holy hysterics.
—Robert Marovich, WSJ, 10 Sep. 2022
His mother, instead of reacting with the usual ecstasy of the Initiates, had gone into hysterics, threatening to expose everything, to denounce them.
—Benjamin P. Russell, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2022
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hysterics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1664, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing hysterics
Dictionary Entries Near hysterics
Cite this Entry
“Hysterics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hysterics. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
hysterics
singular or plural noun
hys·ter·ics
his-ˈter-iks
: a fit of uncontrollable laughter or crying
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