Distemper

/dɪsˈtɛmpər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A viral disease of dogs and some other animals, characterized by fever, coughing, and inflammation.

The veterinarian diagnosed the puppy with distemper after noticing the signs of respiratory infection.

A state of mental or emotional disturbance.

The artist worked through a period of distemper, creating some of his most notable works during that time.

A type of painting medium made of pigment mixed with a water-soluble binder.

The old frescoes were painted in distemper, which explains their vibrant colors and unique texture.

verb

To disturb the balance or harmony of something.

The sudden news seemed to distemper the guests at the party, leading to an uncomfortable silence.

Middle English, from Old French 'destemprer', meaning to disrupt the balance.

distemper of the mind

A mental state characterized by confusion or disturbance.

to distemper

To disturb or disrupt the normal condition of something.

disease

An abnormal state affecting the body or mind.

disorder

A disruption of systematic functioning.

chaos

A state of utter confusion or disorder.

To be out of sorts or dysfunctional.

After the breakup, she was totally distemper.

When things are going wildly wrong.

The party was a distemper, with guests fighting and breaking furniture.