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histérico

ees-TEH-ree-koh/isˈteɾiko/

hysterical

Also: panicked, frenzied
A person with wide eyes and hands on their head looking overwhelmed with emotion.

📝 In Action

La madre se puso histérica cuando no vio a su hijo en el parque.

B1

The mother got hysterical when she didn't see her son in the park.

¡No te pongas histérico! Todo tiene solución.

B1

Don't get hysterical! Everything has a solution.

Hubo un griterío histérico cuando la estrella de cine salió del hotel.

B2

There was a hysterical shouting when the movie star left the hotel.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • alterado (agitated/upset)
  • fuera de sí (beside oneself)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • ponerse histérico – to get/become hysterical
  • un ataque histérico – a hysterical fit
  • risa histérica – uncontrollable/hysterical laughter

hysteric

NounmB2informal
A person jumping and waving their arms in an exaggerated, frantic manner.

📝 In Action

No seas un histérico, solo es una pequeña araña.

B2

Don't be such a hysteric, it's just a small spider.

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "histérico" in Spanish:

frenzied→hysteric→hysterical→panicked→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: histérico

Question 1 of 3

If your friend tells you a very funny joke, should you say '¡Qué histérico!'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
histeria(hysteria) — Noun
histéricamente(hysterically) — Adverb
histrionismo(showiness/dramatics) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
numéricoibéricoperiférico
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'hystericus', which came from a Greek word meaning 'relating to the womb.' This is based on an ancient (and incorrect) medical theory that extreme emotions in women were caused by movements of the uterus.

First recorded: 17th Century

Cognates (Related words)

English: hystericalFrench: hystériqueItalian: isterico

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does 'histérico' always mean something bad?

Usually, yes. It implies a person has lost control of their emotions or is overreacting in a loud or wild way.

Can I use it to describe a situation?

Yes, you can describe a situation as 'histérica' if it is wild, chaotic, and full of panicked energy.

Is 'histérico' a common word?

Yes, it is very common in both Spain and Latin America to describe someone who is 'freaking out' or having an emotional breakdown.