Hysteria

Hysteria is a psychological condition characterized by excessive or uncontrollable emotion, such as fear, excitement, or anger, often accompanied by physical symptoms like tremors, fainting, or paralysis. Historically, it was a widely diagnosed condition, particularly in women, attributed to a malfunctioning uterus (the Greek word 'hystera' meaning uterus), leading to its name. Modern understanding, however, recognizes Hysteria as a manifestation of underlying psychological distress, often rooted in unresolved trauma, repressed emotions, or extreme stress. It can manifest as a sudden onset or a chronic state, significantly impairing an individual's ability to function normally and maintain relationships. The intensity and specific symptoms vary greatly depending on individual circumstances and triggers.

Hysteria meaning with examples

• The crowd's reaction to the singer's sudden appearance quickly devolved into mass Hysteria, with people screaming, pushing, and attempting to get closer to the stage. The police struggled to maintain order as the situation became increasingly chaotic and dangerous, with the concert almost being completely shut down.
• After the earthquake, reports emerged about a wave of Hysteria among the survivors. Many experienced physical symptoms without any physical cause, and many displayed irrational fears and panic, making relief efforts more difficult due to the sudden influx of many different emotions.
• During the trial, the defendant’s lawyer argued that the witness's testimony was unreliable because she appeared to be in a state of Hysteria, as her recounting of the event was highly emotional and inconsistent with the evidence being presented.
• The political campaign was marred by periods of media-induced Hysteria, where every minor comment from a candidate was dissected, amplified, and distorted, generating extreme reactions and dividing the public.
• The novel explored the theme of mass Hysteria during a period of societal collapse. The protagonist's psychological deterioration was depicted in the novel, demonstrating the debilitating effects of intense fear and uncertainty on the characters’ ability to think logically and rationally.