Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary - hysterical

1. Someone who is hysterical is in a state of uncontrolled excitement, anger, or panic. Police and bodyguards had to protect him as the almost hysterical crowds struggled to approach him... ADJ • hysterically I don’t think we can go round screaming hysterically: ‘Ban these dogs. Muzzle all dogs.’ ADV: ADV with v, ADV adj/adv 2. Someone who is hysterical is in a state of violent and disturbed emotion that is usually a result of shock. I suffered bouts of really hysterical depression. ADJ • hysterically I was curled up on the floor in a corner sobbing hysterically. ADV 3. Hysterical laughter is loud and uncontrolled. (INFORMAL) I had to rush to the loo to avoid an attack of hysterical giggles. ADJ: usu ADJ n • hysterically She says she hasn’t laughed as hysterically since she was 13. ADV: ADV with v 4. If you describe something or someone as hysterical, you think that they are very funny and they make you laugh a lot. (INFORMAL) Paul Mazursky was Master of Ceremonies, and he was pretty hysterical. ADJ • hysterically It wasn’t supposed to be a comedy but I found it hysterically funny. ADV: ADV adj