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histeria

hysteria

noun ees-TEH-ryah Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Origin: From Greek hystera (uterus); the ancient Greeks wrongly attributed the condition to the uterus.

Usage Note

Histeria refers to a state of extreme emotional excitement, panic, or uncontrolled behavior in a group or individual. The adjective histérico (hysterical) is commonly used in informal speech to describe someone who is overreacting: no te pongas histérico. The word's Greek origin reveals the historical but now rejected medical theory linking it to female anatomy.

Examples

"La histeria colectiva se extendió por la multitud."

Natural Translation

Collective hysteria spread through the crowd.

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