rave

¹

[reyv]

verb (used without object)

raved, raving 

1. to talk wildly, as in delirium.

   Synonyms: rhapsodize, gush, enthuse, storm, rant, rage, jabber, babble

2. to talk or write with extravagant enthusiasm.

   She raved about her trip to Europe.

3. (of wind, water, storms, etc.) to make a wild or furious sound; rage.

verb (used with object)

raved, raving 

1. to utter as if in madness.

noun

1. an act of raving.

2. an extravagantly enthusiastic appraisal or review of something.

3. a dance party featuring electronic dance music arranged by a disc jockey and a light show or other visual effects, and typically characterized by amphetamine and psychedelic drug use.

   They have these all-night raves in a field just outside the city limits.

4. British Informal.,  a boisterous party, especially a dance.

   We hung pretty party lights and invited everyone who lived in the building to our rooftop rave.

adjective

1. extravagantly flattering or enthusiastic.

   rave reviews of a new play.

rave

²

[reyv]

noun

1. a vertical sidepiece of a wagon or other vehicle.

rave

¹

/ reɪv /

verb

1. to utter (something) in a wild or incoherent manner, as when mad or delirious

2. (intr) to speak in an angry uncontrolled manner

3. (intr) (of the sea, wind, etc) to rage or roar

4. informal,  (intr; foll by over or about) to write or speak (about) with great enthusiasm

5. slang,  (intr) to enjoy oneself wildly or uninhibitedly

noun

1. informal

   1. enthusiastic or extravagant praise

   2. ( as modifier )

      a rave review

2. slang

   1. Also called: rave-up. a party

   2. a professionally organized party for young people, with electronic dance music, sometimes held in a field or disused building

3. slang,  a fad or fashion

   the latest rave

4. a name given to various types of dance music, such as techno, that feature fast electronic rhythm

rave

²

/ reɪv /

noun

1. a vertical sidepiece on a wagon

Other Word Forms

• raver noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rave¹

First recorded in 1325–75; 1915–25 rave ¹ for def. 2; 1960–65 rave ¹ for def. 8; 1985–90 rave ¹ for def. 7; Middle English verb raven, probably from Middle French resver “to wander, be delirious”; further origin uncertain

Origin of rave²

First recorded in 1520–30; origin obscure; probably an alteration of dialect rathe “rail or shaft on a cart”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rave¹

C14 raven , apparently from Old French resver to wander

Origin of rave²

C16: modification of dialect rathe , of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

see rant and rave; stark raving mad.

Example Sentences

Jacob Dunne’s biographical story, adapted by James Graham, arrives on Broadway after Adam Penford’s production received rave reviews in the U.K.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Premiered at the Venice Film Festival earlier this summer, the arthouse biopic film received rave reviews.

Read more on BBC

She knew she had picked the right person when people started to rave about how much they loved Byrne after Bronstein told them she was the star.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Finance and private equity executives rave about Free Press missives against purportedly “woke” attitudes and DEI initiatives that they believe have made it more difficult to do business.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He also spearheaded the construction of the most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly arena in sports — the $2-billion Intuit Dome that opened a year ago to rave reviews.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• babble 
• freak out 
• fume 
• go crazy www.thesaurus.com
• rant