hysterically
hysterically — adverb
1. in a way that shows you have lost control of your emotions because of extreme fe
in a way that shows you have lost control of your emotions because of extreme fear, anger, excitement, or shock — often involving loud crying, screaming, or laughing that is hard to stop
When the fire alarm went off, several children began crying hysterically and ran toward the exit.
collocation: cry / scream / sob hysterically
Elena laughed so hysterically at the joke that her colleagues had to pause the meeting.
collocation: laugh hysterically
- frantically
focuses on hurried, anxious movement rather than emotional outburst
- wildly
more general; can describe any uncontrolled action, not just emotional
- uncontrollably
broader in meaning; can describe physical actions like shaking, not just emotional reactions
- calmly
the opposite of acting with panic or strong emotion
用法筆記
Often paired with verbs of strong emotional reaction: cry, scream, sob, laugh, shout. In formal writing, alternatives like 'in a state of panic' or 'uncontrollably' are more common.
常見錯誤
2. used to describe something that is so funny it causes a very strong reaction, su
used to describe something that is so funny it causes a very strong reaction, such as loud or uncontrollable laughter
The comedy sketch on Saturday night was hysterically funny — everyone in the theatre was in tears.
almost always modifies the adjective 'funny'
Tariq told a story about his first cooking attempt that was hysterically funny.
- hilariously
neutral register; 'hilariously funny' is a common alternative
- uproariously
more formal or literary; suggests the audience was very noisy with laughter
用法筆記
In this sense, 'hysterically' almost always modifies the adjective 'funny'. The phrase 'hysterically funny' is a fixed collocation. Other combinations (e.g. 'hysterically amusing') are rare.
常見錯誤
hysterically — adjective
1. connected with hysteria — a medical or psychological condition in which a person
connected with hysteria — a medical or psychological condition in which a person experiences strong, uncontrollable emotions or physical symptoms without a clear physical cause
The doctor noted that the patient's symptoms were classified as a hysterical disorder.
technical/medical register
Chitra read about cases of hysterical blindness in her psychology textbook.
- psychosomatic
specifically describes physical symptoms caused by mental factors
- conversion
technical term for symptoms like blindness or paralysis with no organic cause
用法筆記
This is a clinical or technical sense. In everyday conversation, the 'out-of-control emotion' sense (adjective sense 2) is far more common. Modern psychology rarely uses 'hysterical' as a formal diagnosis.
2. showing extreme, loud, and uncontrolled emotions — for example, crying, screamin
showing extreme, loud, and uncontrolled emotions — for example, crying, screaming, shouting, or laughing in a way that others see as excessive
The mother became hysterical when she could not find her daughter in the crowded market.
pattern: become + hysterical
Diego's grandfather got hysterical during the argument and started throwing cushions at the wall.
collocation: get hysterical
- frantic
suggests wild behaviour from worry or fear, but less intense than 'hysterical'
- frenzied
implies a more active, agitated state rather than crying or sobbing
- beside oneself
idiomatic; suggests being overcome with emotion but can be used for positive emotions too
用法筆記
Describes an outward display of emotion that others can see or hear, not an internal feeling. Compare 'she felt panicked' (internal) with 'she became hysterical' (outward behaviour). Often used in news reports about people reacting to accidents, disasters, or shocking events.
常見錯誤
3. extremely amusing; causing people to laugh very loudly and for a long time
extremely amusing; causing people to laugh very loudly and for a long time
The video of the cat chasing its own reflection was absolutely hysterical.
intensifying collocations: absolutely / completely hysterical
Zahra's impression of the singing teacher was so hysterical that the whole class could not stop laughing.
- hilarious
the standard neutral synonym; 'hysterical' feels slightly stronger and more informal
- side-splitting
more vivid but less common; suggests laughing until it hurts
- priceless
informal; also implies the situation is memorable or perfect
用法筆記
Common in informal conversation, especially among younger speakers. In more formal writing, alternatives like 'hilarious', 'side-splitting', or 'uproarious' are more typical.