delirium

[dih-leer-ee-uhm]

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.

delirium

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• semidelirium noun
• deliriant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of delirium¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of delirium¹

C16: from Latin: madness, from dēlīrāre, literally: to swerve from a furrow, hence be crazy, from _de- + līra ridge, furrow

Example Sentences

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

This talented Ivorian had a really good first season at Brighton, famously scoring at Ajax to send the travelling fans there into delirium.

From BBC

He found the first fairway on Saturday, though, and it set the tone for an early charge that sent thousands of already frenzied disciples into delirium.

From BBC

There are heat waves, and then there is the particular kind of summer delirium that turns your kitchen into a no-fly zone.

From Salon

Zane phased in and out of delirium as they continued their descent, and the two stopped periodically to take a rest while Zane attempted to regain lucidity, Wach told the Independent.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fever 
• hallucination 
• hysteria