# hysterical

/hɪˈstɛɹɪkəɫ/ (US) · /hɪstˈɛɹɪkəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hysterical
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. uncontrolled emotion

adjective · CEFR B2

unable to control your feelings or behavior because you are extremely frightened, angry, or excited.

For teachers: characterised by a state of extreme, uncontrolled emotion, often involving crying or laughter due to panic or shock.

- The crowd became hysterical when the fire alarm started ringing in the dark theatre.
- By the time the rescue team arrived, the survivors were hysterical with relief, making it difficult for the medics to assess their injuries.

### 2. extremely funny

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

extremely funny, making you laugh a lot.

For teachers: provoking uncontrollable laughter; used as a superlative for humorous content.

- You have to see this video of the cat; it is absolutely hysterical.
- The comedian's observations about office life were so hysterical that several audience members were reduced to tears of laughter.

## Examples

- That comedy show was absolutely hysterical.
- The audience was hysterical with laughter after the comedian's final joke about his cat.
- The witness became hysterical during the cross-examination, sobbing so uncontrollably that the judge had to call for a brief recess to allow her to regain her composure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.