hysteric

hysteric — noun

1. a person who has a condition called hysteria, in which stress or emotional shock

1.nounC1
Definition

a person who has a condition called hysteria, in which stress or emotional shock causes sudden physical symptoms or intense emotional outbursts, although no physical disease can explain them

Example

Aunt Rosa's grandmother was labelled a hysteric by doctors who did not understand her symptoms.

passive: labelled a hysteric by doctors

In the 19th century, many women diagnosed as hysterics received treatments that seem cruel today.

historical register: diagnosed as hysterics

Common collocations
  • diagnosed as a hysteric
  • labelled a hysteric
  • dismissed as a hysteric
Synonyms
  • neurotic

    a broader clinical term describing someone prone to anxiety, worry, or emotional instability, not limited to dramatic physical symptoms

  • patient

    a neutral, modern alternative that avoids the historical baggage of 'hysteric'

Grammar Patterns

labelled / diagnosed as a hysteric

treat someone as a hysteric

Usage Note

The term has a contested medical history. It was once a formal diagnosis applied broadly to women, but it is no longer used in modern clinical practice. Contemporary medical terms such as 'conversion disorder' or 'functional neurological symptom disorder' have replaced it.

Common Mistakes

She became hysteric when she heard the news.
She became hysterical when she heard the news.
'Hysteric' is a noun for a person; 'hysterical' is the adjective describing emotional behaviour.

2. someone whose emotional reactions are so extreme that they seem unreasonable or

2.nounC1
Definition

someone whose emotional reactions are so extreme that they seem unreasonable or out of control, often used as a dismissive or insulting label

Example

A few critics dismissed the singer's passionate speech as the ranting of a hysteric.

dismissive label: dismissed as a hysteric

After the argument, Tanvi's brother called her a hysteric, which only made her angrier.

Common collocations
  • called a hysteric
  • dismissed as a hysteric
  • branded a hysteric
Synonyms
  • drama queen

    informal and milder, suggesting exaggerated behaviour for attention rather than genuine emotional distress

  • fanatic

    describes someone with extreme enthusiasm for a cause, not emotional instability

Antonyms
  • stoic

    a person who endures hardship without showing feelings or complaining

Grammar Patterns

call someone a hysteric

dismiss someone as a hysteric

Usage Note

This sense is almost always used to dismiss or criticise someone's emotional response. It can be offensive because it implies the person's feelings are not valid. The word carries a stronger negative force than milder alternatives such as 'dramatic' or 'emotional'.

Common Mistakes

Stop being such a hysteric about the exam results.
Stop being so hysterical about the exam results.
When describing a person's behaviour or reaction, use the adjective 'hysterical'. Use the noun 'hysteric' only when labelling the person directly: 'They called him a hysteric.'

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/2

All three words describe people with intense or extreme reactions, but each has a different focus and weight. A 'hysteric' (noun/2) is someone whose emotions are seen as completely out of control and unreasonable — the word is strongly dismissive and can be offensive. A 'drama queen' is a milder, playful label for someone who exaggerates small problems (e.g., 'He is such a drama queen about a minor headache'). 'Neurotic' leans more toward chronic anxiety and worry rather than dramatic outbursts, and it is sometimes used semi-technically. 'Fanatic' describes intense dedication to a belief or activity — a sports fanatic or a religious fanatic — not emotional instability. Calling someone a hysteric carries more negative force than any of these alternatives and is likely to be perceived as an insult.

drama queen ↗neurotic ↗fanatic ↗

Common collocations

Phrases

  • labelled a hysteric
  • dismissed as a hysteric
  • branded a hysteric

Etymology

GreekLatinEnglish

From Latin hystericus, via Greek ὑστερικός (husterikos), meaning 'suffering in the womb', from ὑστέρα (hustera) 'womb'. Ancient Greek physicians such as Hippocrates believed that hysteria was caused by the womb moving through a woman's body — a theory later discarded. The term entered English in the 17th century as a medical label and gradually expanded into general use as a dismissive term for extreme emotion.