Topic: ILLNESS AND DISABILITY
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| Date: | 1800-1900 |
| Origin: | hysteric 'hysterical' (17-20 centuries), from Latin hystericus, from Greek hystera ( HYSTERECTOMY); because it was believed hysteria was caused by the uterus |
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hys‧te‧ri‧a
[uncountable]
[uncountable]1 extreme excitement that makes people cry, laugh, shout etc in a way that is out of control : 
In a fit of hysteria, Silvia blamed me for causing her father's death.
In a fit of hysteria, Silvia blamed me for causing her father's death.2 a situation in which a lot of people feel fear, anger, or excitement, which makes them behave in an unreasonable way :
3 medicalMI a medical condition which upsets someone's emotions and makes them suddenly feel very nervous, excited, anxious etc
