C2adverbemotionsmedia
US/hɪˈster.ɪ.kəl.i/
UK/hɪˈster.ɪ.kəl.i/
in a wildly emotional way that is out of control, from fear, anger or laughter
In context
The audience laughed hysterically at the comedian's story about his first date.
The child screamed hysterically when she lost sight of her mother in the crowd.
She was crying hysterically when the paramedics arrived at the scene.
Words that go with hysterically
verb + adverb
- laugh hystericallyWe laughed hysterically at the silly video.
- cry hystericallyThe girl cried hysterically after the accident.
- scream hystericallyFans screamed hysterically as the band walked in.
- sob hystericallyShe sobbed hysterically in the corridor.
- giggle hystericallyThe students giggled hysterically behind the teacher's back.
adverb + adjective
- hysterically funnyThe play was hysterically funny from start to finish.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The film was hysterically.Correct: The film was hysterical.