dement

[dih-ment]

verb (used with object)

Obsolete.

1. to make mad or insane.

dement

/ dɪˈmɛnt /

verb

1. (intr) to deteriorate mentally, esp because of old age

2. rare,  (tr) to drive mad; make insane

Word History and Origins

Origin of dement¹

1535–45; < Late Latin dēmentāre to deprive of mind, equivalent to Latin dēment- (stem of dēmēns ) out of one's mind ( dē- de- + ment- (stem of mēns ) mind) + -āre infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of dement¹

C16: from Late Latin dēmentāre to drive mad, from Latin _de- + mēns mind

Related Words

• agitate 
• confuse 
• disconcert 
• disorganize 
• disquiet 
• disrupt 
• disturb 
• perturb 
• rattle 
• unnerve