hysteria
/hɨˈstɛɹijə/noun
A state of extreme panic, fear, or excitement that people cannot control, often spreading through a group.
Example sentences
- “Rumors of a shortage caused hysteria at the grocery stores.”
- “The band's arrival at the airport set off hysteria among teenage fans.”
- “The media was accused of whipping up hysteria over the virus.”
Common phrases are 'mass hysteria' and 'whip up hysteria'. The adjective 'hysterical' can also mean extremely funny in casual speech.