hysterical

hysterical
[[t]hɪste̱rɪk(ə)l[/t]]
1) ADJ-GRADED Someone who is hysterical is in a state of uncontrolled excitement, anger, or panic.

Police and bodyguards had to form a human shield around him as the almost hysterical crowds struggled to approach him...

He made headlines and received hysterical hate mail.

Derived words:
hysterically [[t]hɪste̱rɪkli[/t]] ADV-GRADED ADV with v, ADV adj/adv

I don't think we can go round screaming hysterically: `Ban these dogs. Muzzle all dogs.'

2) ADJ-GRADED Someone who is hysterical is in a state of violent and disturbed emotion that is usually a result of shock.

I suffered bouts of really hysterical depression accompanied by a strong desire to run away.

Derived words:
hysterically ADV-GRADED

I was curled up on the floor in a corner sobbing hysterically.

3) ADJ: usu ADJ n Hysterical laughter is loud and uncontrolled. [INFORMAL]

I had to rush to the loo to avoid an attack of hysterical giggles.

Derived words:
hysterically ADV ADV with v

She says she hasn't laughed as hysterically since she was 13.

4) ADJ-GRADED If you describe something or someone as hysterical, you think that they are very funny and they make you laugh a lot. [INFORMAL]

Paul Mazursky was Master of Ceremonies, and he was pretty hysterical.

Derived words:
hysterically ADV-GRADED ADV adj

It wasn't supposed to be a comedy but I found it hysterically funny.


English dictionary. 2008.

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