Haywire

/ˈheɪˌwaɪər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A type of wire used in agriculture and farming, typically for binding hay.

We used haywire to secure the bales of hay in the barn.

adjective

Out of control; chaotic or confused.

After the sudden change in the management, the whole organization went haywire.

Not functioning properly.

The machine has gone haywire and needs to be repaired immediately.

Originating from the use of 'haywire' in farming to refer to wire used to bind hay bales, which could become tangled or chaotic.

go haywire

to become chaotic or out of control

run haywire

to function improperly or erratically

put something haywire

to cause something to become confused or disordered

chaos

a state of complete disorder and confusion

confusion

lack of clarity or order

disarray

a state of disorganization or untidiness

to lose control of a situation

Things got really haywire at the party when the cops showed up.

to be mentally confused or overwhelmed

I was feeling haywire after studying all night.