hysterical

hys-ter-i-cal · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Affected by or deriving from wildly uncontrolled emotion; unable to control one's feelings.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) Extremely funny; causing uncontrollable laughter.

  3. 3.

    (Historical/Medical) Relating to or suffering from hysteria.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    hysterical laughter — uncontrollable, often inappropriate laughter
  • •
    become hysterical — to lose emotional control

Related words

Antonyms: calm, composed, unfunny
See also: frantic, hilarious, hysteria
Synonyms: frantic, hilarious, overwrought, uproarious

Etymology

From Latin hystericus, from Greek hysterikos ("of the womb"), from hystera ("womb"). The term originated from the ancient (now discredited) belief that emotional disturbances in women were caused by disturbances of the uterus.