moonstruck

American  

[moon-struhk] / ˈmunˌstrʌk /

Also moonstricken

adjective

1. mentally deranged, supposedly by the influence of the moon; crazed.

2. dreamily romantic or bemused.

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moonstruck British  

/ ˈmuːnˌstrɪkən, ˈmuːnˌstrʌk /

adjective

1. deranged or mad

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Etymology

Origin of moonstruck

First recorded in 1665–75; moon + struck

Explanation

Are you so in love that you act like a lunatic? Does the full moon make you howl? If so, you’re moonstruck! Moonstruck literally means to be affected by the moon, but moonstruck people are dreamy and in love. You can use the adjective moonstruck to mean "insane" or "loony" in general, but it's most often connected to the idea of being lovesick or romantic and irrational. It stems from an ancient belief that the moon could actually cause insanity. The first written use of moonstruck is found in John Milton's 1674 epic poem "Paradise Lost," included in a list of humanity's afflictions caused by original sin: "moon-struck madness."

Example Sentences

Moonstruck Tootsie: A down-on-his-luck actor takes a job as a Cher impersonator with one goal in mind — to slap some sense into Nicolas Cage.

From Washington Post • Nov. 3, 2022

If the weather’s terrible, sip premium Moonstruck hot cocoa and play board games within the handsome guests-only library or take a self-guided smartphone tour of the building’s history.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 17, 2021

Her infamous movie scene with Nicolas Cage in "Moonstruck" — after he professes his love for her character, she slaps him twice and says, "Snap out of it!"

From Salon • May 29, 2021

But in her 50s she starred in a series of hit comedies on screen, including an award-winning turn as Cher's mother in Moonstruck.

From BBC • May 1, 2021

Moonstruck people perhaps comprehend it, for they follow it; only they, as well as the sleep-walkers, remember nothing of what was said when they awake.

From Timar's Two Worlds by Jókai, Mór