The DICT Development Group

  Hysteric \Hys*ter"ic\, Hysterical \Hys*ter"ic*al\, a. [L.
     hystericus, Gr. ?, fr. "yste`ra the womb; perh. akin to ?
     latter, later, and E. utter, out.]
     1. Of or pertaining to hysteria.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              With no hysteric weakness or feverish excitement,
              they preserved their peace and patience. --Bancroft.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. In a state of hysteria; affected, or troubled, with
        hysterics; uncontrollably emotional; convulsive, fitful.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. In a state of panic or behaving in a wild irrational
        manner, due to fear or emotional trauma.
        [PJC]
  
     4. Resembling hysteria; as, hysterical laughter.
        [PJC]

  hysteric
       adj : characterized by or arising from psychoneurotic hysteria;
             "during hysterical conditions various functions of the
             human body are disordered"- Morris Fishbein;
             "hysterical amnesia" [syn: hysterical]
       n : a person suffering from hysteria