Hysteria — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Hysteria
Hysteria (noun)
- a psychoneurosis marked by emotional excitability and disturbances of the psychogenic, sensory, vasomotor, and visceral functions
- behavior exhibiting overwhelming or unmanageable fear or emotional excess
Origin & Etymology of Hysteria
New Latin, from English hysteric, adjective, from Latin hystericus, from Greek hysterikos, from hystera womb; from the Greek notion that hysteria was peculiar to women and caused by disturbances of the uterus
First known use: 1772
Frequently Asked Questions about Hysteria
What does "Hysteria" mean?
"Hysteria" means a psychoneurosis marked by emotional excitability and disturbances of the psychogenic, sensory, vasomotor, and visceral functions. As a noun, it is defined as: a psychoneurosis marked by emotional excitability and disturbances of the psychogenic, sensory, vasomotor, and visceral functions. It has 2 distinct senses.
Is "Hysteria" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Hysteria" is a noun.
How do you pronounce "Hysteria"?
"Hysteria" is pronounced /hi-ˈster-ē-ə/ and divided into syllables as hys·te·ria.
What is the origin of the word "Hysteria"?
"Hysteria" comes from New Latin, from English hysteric, adjective, from Latin hystericus, from Greek hysterikos, from hystera womb; from the Greek notion that hysteria was peculiar to women and caused by disturbances of the uterus. First known use: 1772.