Craze

/kreɪz/

Meaning & Definition

noun
an intense and widely shared enthusiasm for something, especially one that is short-lived.
The fitness craze has led to a surge in gym memberships.
a temporary fashion or trend.
The latest craze among teenagers is collecting virtual pets.
a state of frantic excitement or activity.
There was a craze for the new mobile game that took the world by storm.
verb
to make crazy; to infatuate or excite.
The news of the celebrity's engagement crazed the fans.
to crack or break in a way that causes an irregular pattern.
The porcelain dish crazed after being exposed to extreme temperature changes.

Etymology

Middle English 'crazin', likely from the Old Norse 'krasa', meaning to break.

Common Phrases and Expressions

craze for something:
A strong enthusiasm or obsession for a particular thing.
in a craze:
In a state of wild excitement or confusion.
craze over:
To be overly enthusiastic or obsessed about something.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Something that's all the rage.
That new app is such a craze right now!
To be so excited about something.
Everyone's crazing over the latest pop star.