Dionysian
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or honoring Dionysus or Bacchus.
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recklessly uninhibited; unrestrained; undisciplined; frenzied; orgiastic.
adjective
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of or relating to Dionysus
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(sometimes not capital) (in the philosophy of Nietzsche) of or relating to the set of creative qualities that encompasses spontaneity, irrationality, the rejection of discipline, etc
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(often not capital) wild or orgiastic
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of or relating to any of the historical characters named Dionysius
Etymology
Origin of Dionysian
First recorded in 1600–10; Dionys(us) + -ian
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And yet, this villain’s fiery domain, where imps torture souls nearby, is also recognizably Dionysian.
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026
And Tveit sets “One Night in Bangkok” aflame with Dionysian ecstasy.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 5, 2026
While some view calling one's behavior "Dionysian" as an insult, conflating sensuality with lecherousness or debauchery, this holiday season, I mean it to say, "Don't choose famine when you have the opportunity to feast."
From Salon ● Dec. 15, 2022
Field, returning to directing after a long absence, balances Apollonian restraint with Dionysian frenzy.
From New York Times ● Sep. 5, 2022
To paraphrase Nietzsche, there are two types of Greek: the Apollonian and the Dionysian.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
