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hysteria
This term describes a state of collective emotional instability where reason is superseded by intense panic or excitement. It often implies a contagious quality, where the emotion spreads rapidly through a crowd, creating a feedback loop of irrational behavior.
In a historical medical context, the word carries a heavy legacy of gender bias, having been used to pathologize female emotional expression. While the clinical diagnosis is now obsolete, the term persists in common parlance to describe any extreme, uncontrolled reaction.
Meanings
An uncontrollable outburst of emotion or excitement, typically spreading rapidly through a group of people.
The news of the victory sparked a wave of mass hysteria across the city.
An exaggerated or irrational fear or panic caused by a perceived threat, often resulting in collective behavior.
The media coverage of the outbreak fueled a public hysteria that led to hoarding.
Examples
Market hysteria often leads to unsustainable asset bubbles.