Meaning of hysteria in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /həˈstɪriə/

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  1. Noun

    hysteria

    Etymology

    early 19th century: from Latin hystericus (see hysteric)

    Definitions

    1. state of violent mental agitation

    Derived terms

  2. 2. excessive or uncontrollable fear
  3. 3. neurotic disorder characterized by violent emotional outbreaks and disturbances of sensory and motor functions

Famous quotes

  • « I have found it easier to identify with the characters who verge upon hysteria, who were frightened of life, who were desperate to reach out to another person. But these seemingly fragile people are the strong people really. »
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  • « Whatever hysteria exists is inflamed by mystery, suspicion and secrecy. Hard and exact facts will cool it. »
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  • « Unfortunately the global warming hysteria, as I see it, is driven by politics more than by science. »
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  • « It is part of the general pattern of misguided policy that our country is now geared to an arms economy which was bred in an artificially induced psychosis of war hysteria and nurtured upon an incessant propaganda of fear. »
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  • « On stage, we just want to generate hysteria. We don't care about looking cool or posing. »
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