hysteria

A state of extreme excitement, fear, or worry that people cannot easily control.

• The news caused mass hysteria.
• Her laughter turned into hysteria.
• Public hysteria spread after the first report.

How to use it: hysteria over something (There was widespread hysteria over the false warning.)

Similar words: panic, frenzy

Opposites: calm

Common phrases: mass hysteria, public hysteria, hysteria over something

An old name for a mental condition involving strong emotions or physical problems without an obvious physical cause.

• The doctor diagnosed hysteria.
• Hysteria appears frequently in old medical records.
• The patient received treatment for hysteria at the hospital.

Common phrases: diagnosed hysteria, treatment for hysteria