hysteria
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hysteria
A state of exaggerated, uncontrolled excitement, panic, or emotional agitation in a group or in an individual.
Als die Tickets für das Konzert ausverkauft waren, brach unter den Fans die reine Hysterie aus.
When the tickets for the concert were sold out, pure hysteria broke out among the fans.
The adjective for this noun is 'hysterisch' (hysterical). A common compound is 'Massenhysterie' (mass hysteria), which describes panic or excessive excitement that takes hold of a large group of people.
Die Fans reagierten hysterisch auf die Ankunft der Band.
The fans reacted hysterically to the band's arrival.
'Hysterie' (hysteria) is often combined with verbs that describe a sudden beginning or an increase. Typical phrases are 'in Hysterie ausbrechen' (to break out in hysteria), 'in Hysterie verfallen' (to fall into hysteria), or 'eine Hysterie auslösen' (to trigger hysteria).
Als sie die Spinne sah, brach sie in Hysterie aus.
When she saw the spider, she broke out in hysteria.
The medical meaning of 'Hysterie' (hysteria) is outdated and is used today almost only in historical texts or texts about the history of science and medicine. Watch for signal words like '19. Jahrhundert' (19th century), 'Medizingeschichte' (medical history), or 'damals' (back then).
In der Medizingeschichte des 19. Jahrhunderts war die Diagnose „Hysterie“ bei Frauen weit verbreitet.
In the medical history of the 19th century, the diagnosis 'Hysterie' (hysteria) was widespread among women.
quiet / calm
'die Ruhe' and 'die Hysterie' are clear opposites, especially when it comes to feelings. 'Ruhe' means that someone stays calm and does not panic. 'Hysterie' means very strong, exaggerated excitement that is hardly controlled. 'Ruhe' fits when someone reacts calmly and sensibly, even in difficult situations. 'Hysterie' sounds clearly negative and describes a situation in which people can no longer control their excitement well.
Vor dem Termin entstand im Wartezimmer plötzlich große Hysterie.
Before the appointment, sudden widespread hysteria broke out in the waiting room.
Trotz der schlechten Nachricht bewahrten die Eltern am Abend Ruhe.
Despite the bad news, the parents kept calm that evening.