hysterical

[hi-ster-i-kuhl] / hɪˈstɛr ɪ kəl /

ADJECTIVE

very upset, excited

Synonyms

STRONGEST

agitated crazy distraught emotional frantic frenzied furious impassioned mad nervous neurotic overwrought passionate uncontrollable vehement violent

WEAK

berserk beside oneself blazing carried away convulsive crazed delirious distracted fiery fuming impetuous in a fit incensed irrepressible maddened panic-stricken possessed rabid raging rampant raving seething spasmodic tempestuous turbulent uncontrolled unnerved unrestrained uproarious wild worked-up

Antonyms

STRONGEST

apathetic balanced calm collected controlled cool happy indifferent mild moderate peaceful pleased reasonable sane unenthusiastic unexcited unpassionate

WEAK

serene

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Weeks before Cynthia’s death, after Ortiz broke things off with Hatley, she allegedly became hysterical.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Lader, 40, described "grabbing babies who were being schlepped across the street, and finding parents who were hysterical that their kids weren't here."

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

But when she told the nursery manager and deputy manager in early 2024, she says they made her feel like a "hysterical mum" who was exaggerating.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2026

Giving actors the freedom to have fun is what makes Guest’s films so hysterical.

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2026

Immediately I begin to laugh—a wild, hysterical cackle that despite all my efforts still sounds a little like a scream.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Vocabulary lists containing hysterical

Wonder

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The Diary of Anne Frank

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The House on Mango Street

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