craze

[kreyz]

verb (used with object)

crazed, crazing 

1. to derange or impair the mind of; make insane.

   He was crazed by jealousy.

2. to make small cracks on the surface of (a ceramic glaze, paint, or the like); crackle.

3. British Dialect.,  to crack.

4. Archaic.,  to weaken; impair.

   to craze one's health.

5. Obsolete.,  to break; shatter.

verb (used without object)

crazed, crazing 

1. to become insane; go mad.

2. to become minutely cracked, as a ceramic glaze; crackle.

3. Metallurgy.

   1. (of a case-hardened object) to develop reticulated surface markings; worm.

   2. (of an ingot) to develop an alligator skin as a result of being teemed into an old and worn mold.

4. Archaic.,  to fall to pieces; break.

noun

1. a popular or widespread fad, fashion, etc.; mania.

   the newest dance craze.

   Synonyms: mode, vogue

2. insanity; an insane condition.

3. a minute crack or pattern of cracks in the glaze of a ceramic object.

4. Obsolete.,  flaw; defect.

craze

/ kreɪz /

noun

1. a short-lived current fashion

2. a wild or exaggerated enthusiasm

   a craze for chestnuts

3. mental disturbance; insanity

verb

1. to make or become mad

2. ceramics metallurgy to develop or cause to develop a fine network of cracks

3. archaic,  (tr) to break

4. archaic,  (tr) to weaken

Word History and Origins

Origin of craze¹

1325–75; Middle English crasen to crush < Scandinavian; compare Swedish, Norwegian krasa to shatter, crush

Word History and Origins

Origin of craze¹

C14 (in the sense: to break, shatter): probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish krasa to shatter, ultimately of imitative origin

Example Sentences

“I’m not just in a kitten craze,” Likins recalled thinking to herself.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a new dance craze and you just don’t understand the music.

From Los Angeles Times

A few years ago, he says, his channel was "inundated" with comments from people in New York about this new craze - a cross between a croissant and a donut.

From BBC

The sketch appeared to be a parody of a scene in Spider Man where Norman Osborne, played by Willem Dafoe, is being taunted by his crazed alter ego, the Green Goblin.

From BBC

Setting aside partisanship — if that’s still possible — and speaking bluntly, there’s something to be said for ensuring Harris doesn’t die a violent death at the hands of some crazed assailant.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• enthusiasm 
• fever 
• furor 
• mania 
• passion 
• rage 
• trend