C2nounmediapsychology
US/hɪˈster.i.ə/
UK/hɪˈstɪə.ri.ə/
a state of extreme fear, excitement or anger, often shared by many people and out of control
In context
Media hysteria about the virus led people to empty supermarket shelves.
In a moment of mass hysteria, the crowd rushed toward the gates.
Calm voices were lost in the hysteria that followed the attack.
Words that go with hysteria
adjective + noun
- mass hysteriaDoctors said the strange illness was a case of mass hysteria.
- public hysteriaPublic hysteria about crime pushed the government to act.
noun + noun
- media hysteriaThe minister blamed media hysteria for the drop in tourism.
verb + noun
- whip up hysteriaSome politicians try to whip up hysteria about immigrants.
noun + preposition
- verge of hysteriaBy midnight the fans were on the verge of hysteria.