hysteric

1 of 2

noun

hys·​ter·​ic hi-ˈster-ik How to pronounce hysteric (audio)
plural hysterics
1
: a person subject to or affected by hysteria
2
: an overemotional or unstable person
He's a sweet-natured hysteric who overresponds to every stimulus.—Pauline Kael
see also hysterics

hysteric

2 of 2

less common spelling of hysterical sense 1

Examples of hysteric in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Obama’s patience wears thin in response to Trump’s hysterics. — Jonathan Easley, The Hill, 24 July 2025 But there are kinks that need to be worked out, including some plot hysterics (a burning of a house is too over the top) that throw it off its comedy tracks. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026 Too often her character requires her to fall into hysterics. — Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 11 Sep. 2025 The next was his minor hysterics over Caleb’s interest in Kayda. — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hysteric

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1654, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hysteric was in 1654

Phrases Containing hysteric

Rhymes for hysteric

See All Rhymes for hysteric

Browse Nearby Words

Hysteriales
hysteric
hysterical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hysteric.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hysteric. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

hysteric

noun
hys·​ter·​ic his-ˈter-ik How to pronounce hysteric (audio)
: an individual subject to or affected by hysteria
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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