bedlam

[bed-luhm]

noun

1. a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion.

   Synonyms: pandemonium, commotion, turmoil, clamor, chaos, tumult, disorder

2. Archaic.,  an insane asylum or madhouse.

bedlam

/ ˈbɛdləm /

noun

1. a noisy confused place or situation; state of uproar

   his speech caused bedlam

2. archaic,  a lunatic asylum; madhouse

Word History and Origins

Origin of bedlam¹

A popular name for the Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem in London, which served as a lunatic asylum from circa 1400; compare Middle English Bedleem, Bethleem, Old English Betleem Bethlehem

Word History and Origins

Origin of bedlam¹

C13 bedlem , bethlem , after the Hospital of St Mary of Bethlehem in London

Example Sentences

The incendiary nature of his new environment - the utter bedlam - is going to be a shock.

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For a film that’s ostensibly about the picture-perfect joys of a family Christmas, this looks more like holiday bedlam than bliss.

Read more on Salon

So Pages, juggling the beer bottles, took a moment to raise a toast to them in the bedlam of the victory celebration.

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When the ball clanged off the bright yellow pole, Judge raised his right hand toward the sky and tossed his bat to the ground, as bedlam erupted all around him.

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The bet, however, is that the bedlam that happens in a kitchen makes for high, irresistible drama.

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