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

In the midst of Belém’s COP30 bedlam, environmentalists, economists, lobbyists and diplomats busily haggle at the global climate conference about what we can and cannot get away with in negotiations over Mother Nature.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When it hit the back of the net, there were no words, just bedlam.

Read more on BBC

Members of the press shouted questions over the bedlam.

Read more on Literature

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

Read more on BBC

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