delirium

American  

[dih-leer-ee-uhm] / dɪˈlɪər i əm /

noun

plural

deliriums, deliria

1. Pathology. a more or less temporary disorder of the mental faculties, as in fevers, disturbances of consciousness, or intoxication, characterized by restlessness, excitement, delusions, hallucinations, etc.

2. a state of violent excitement or emotion.

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delirium British  

/ dɪˈlɪrɪəm /

noun

1. a state of excitement and mental confusion, often accompanied by hallucinations, caused by high fever, poisoning, brain injury, etc

2. violent excitement or emotion; frenzy

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Other Word Forms

• deliriant adjective
• semidelirium noun

Etymology

Origin of delirium

1590–1600; < Latin dēlīrium frenzy, equivalent to dēlīr ( āre ) ( deliration ) + -ium -ium

Example Sentences

They spent the bowl season in a Las Vegas hotel, walking the Strip with a three-week old, in a new-parent-induced delirium, their whole lives having suddenly turned upside down.

From Los Angeles Times

Watching the video, I found myself enchanted, identifying with its sense of delirium and fun, which reminded me of the best parts of being young.

From Los Angeles Times

More stingingly, it captures the mental delirium of a small town — make that an entire planet — that hasn’t yet realized that there’s a second sickness seeping in through their smartphones.

From Los Angeles Times

As she crawls, screams, scratches and sneers, Lawrence maintains a soulful balance between Grace’s creeping delirium and her ceaseless dedication to her newborn son.

From Salon

A sellout crowd at Camden Yards — in attendance for the 30th anniversary of Cal Ripken Jr.’s Ironman moment — broke into delirium.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fever
• hallucination
• hysteria