Meaning & Definition of word "Madness"

Madness

/ˈmædnəs/

noun:

  • 1. The state of being mentally ill, especially severely.
    • Example: The patient was confined to a room due to his madness.
  • 2. Extreme folly or senselessness.
    • Example: The madness of the decision to invest all their savings into a single risky venture shocked everyone.
  • 3. A state of frantic or chaotic activity.
    • Example: The madness of the holiday shopping season can be overwhelming.

Etymology

Middle English madnesse, from Old English gemædnes, meaning folly.

Common Phrases and Expressions

madness is a state of mind:

Refers to unconventional or irrational thinking.

a touch of madness:

A small amount of eccentricity or unpredictability.

madness in method:

Refers to having an unusual method that appears insane but is actually logical.

Related Words

mad:

Affected by mental illness; insane.

crazy:

Mentally deranged or extremely enthusiastic.

insane:

In a state of severe mental illness.

Slang Meanings of madness

Meaning: Going crazy

Example Sentence: I’m going mad with all this work!

Meaning: Doing something wild

Example Sentence: That party was pure madness!