derange
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to throw into disorder; disarrange.
-
to disturb the condition, action, or function of.
-
to make insane.
verb
-
to disturb the order or arrangement of; throw into disorder; disarrange
-
to disturb the action or operation of
-
to make insane; drive mad
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of derange
1770–80; < French déranger, Old French desrengier, equivalent to des- dis- 1 + rengier; see range
Explanation
To derange someone is to make her go crazy or completely confuse her. Going without sleep for an entire week can derange a person. It's more common to see the adjective deranged — or insane — than the verb derange, but you can use it to describe what happens when someone or something drives a person batty. Too many head injuries can derange a football player's short term memory, and a teasing cat just out of reach might derange a tied-up dog in a yard. The Old French root of derange is desrengier, "throw into disorder," which combines des, "do the opposite of" and rengier, "put into line."
Vocabulary lists containing derange
The Bluest Eye
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Stories of Ourselves
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
A Game of Thrones
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He hangs out at Hormone Derange, a cowboy store, and tries to regain his spiritual bearings with martial arts.
From Time Magazine Archive
Derange, de-rānj′, v.t. to put out of place or order: to disorder.—p.adj.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various
Derange this order and this state of things to the point of preventing the execution of organic movement, or the possibility of its reëstablishment, then you cause death.”
From Lamarck, the Founder of Evolution His Life and Work by Packard, A. S. (Alpheus Spring)
Derange nutrition, and at once degeneration, or rather let us say, alteration begins.
From Hygienic Physiology : with Special Reference to the Use of Alcoholic Drinks and Narcotics by Steele, Joel Dorman
Derange, A. Cat. descr. et raisonné des manuscr. de la bibl. de Tours. 4to.
From Illuminated Manuscripts by Bradley, John William
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
