/ hɪˈsterɪkl; NAmE / adjective
1.
in a state of extreme excitement, and crying, laughing, etc. in an uncontrolled way :
hysterical screams
a hysterical giggle
He became almost hysterical when I told him.
Let's not get hysterical.
( disapproving )
He thought I was being a hysterical female.
2.
( informal ) extremely funny
SYN hilarious :
She seemed to find my situation absolutely hysterical.
HELP NOTE : Some speakers do not pronounce the 'h' at the beginning of hysterical and use 'an' instead of 'a' before it. This now sounds old-fashioned.
► hys·ter·ic·al·ly / -kli; NAmE / adverb :
to laugh / cry / scream / sob hysterically
hysterically funny