- an expression of extreme fear, excitement or anger that makes somebody lose control of their emotions and cry, laugh, etc.
- He went into hysterics when he heard the news.
- The children would go into hysterics at the mere mention of her name.
Definitions on the go
Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app.
- (informal) wild laughter
- She had the audience in hysterics.
- The whole class dissolved into hysterics when they saw him.
Idioms
See hysterics in the Oxford Advanced American Dictionaryhave hysterics
- (informal) to be extremely upset and angry
- My mum'll have hysterics when she sees the colour of my hair.
Check pronunciation:
hysterics