What does hysterically mean?
Hysterically is an adverb describing behavior marked by extreme emotional excitement, agitation, panic, or uncontrolled laughter and crying. It commonly describes a person laughing, screaming, or reacting with a degree of intensity that seems disproportionate, though it can also be used more figuratively to suggest exaggerated or theatrical emotion. The adverb is widely used in everyday speech and informal writing, while its older medical associations remain faintly present in formal contexts. Its strength makes it useful for vivid reporting, particularly when a reaction is dramatic, chaotic, or highly emotional. It should not be used to label a person’s actual mental or emotional state, as the expression can be dismissive when applied to another person’s distress. In neutral contexts, words such as “frantically,” “wildly,” or “uncontrollably” may offer similar emphasis without the same strongly expressive tone.
adverbIn a state of extreme emotional agitation or excitement, often with uncontrolled laughter, crying, or panic. It can also describe a reaction that is exaggerated or theatrical.
- In a state of extreme emotional agitation, panic, or excitement, especially with uncontrolled laughter, crying, or shouting.
- In a way that is exaggerated, theatrical, or strongly emotional.
"The audience laughed hysterically when the contestant announced the wrong answer."
"She was laughing hysterically at the absurdity of the situation."
"The child began crying hysterically when he realized his toy had been left behind."
From the Greek word for the womb, “hysterically” preserves the old idea that intense emotion could arise from a bodily disturbance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hysterically come from?
The word derives from “hysteric” and the Greek hystera, meaning “womb.” In ancient and early modern medicine, the term was associated with emotional disturbances thought to originate in the womb. “Hysterical” later developed the general meaning of intensely emotional or excitable, and “hysterically” came to describe behavior marked by such extreme emotion. The historical medical sense is now largely obsolete, though the word retains its familiar association with uncontrolled laughter, panic, or dramatic reactions.
How hysterically is actually used
Often describes intense, uncontrolled emotional behavior. It may sound dramatic or figurative when used to characterize laughter, reactions, or performances, and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.
Easily confused with hysterically
Hysterically describes an extreme emotional reaction, while historically refers to something connected with history or the past.