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

Those who’ve managed to come out of this new kind of tech-enabled delirium have learned how vital it is to stay in touch with the natural world and their natural instincts.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

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 • Dec. 9, 2025

Mary Ann Patten is 19—petite, pretty and pregnant—when her husband, the captain of Neptune’s Car, the clipper ship she’s on, is struck down by disease and delirium from the tuberculosis that will ultimately kill him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 8, 2025

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 • Nov. 7, 2025

I spent the night in a state of delirium.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Related Words

• fever
• hallucination
• hysteria