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
Desai, whose directorial work at the Taper thus far has brought together rave and rebellion, smoothly merges the Dionysian frenzy of the music with the nonviolent revolution that ended Ferdinand Marcos’ protracted dictatorship in 1986.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 20, 2026
“He was a pillar of the scene here, a beloved and trusted counselor to fellow artists, an amiably enlightening interlocutor with critics and an impish presence who embodied theater’s Dionysian spirit.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 15, 2023
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
Once the cups were set out, and Henry had poured the tea, somber as a mandarin, we began to talk about the madnesses induced by the gods: poetic, prophetic, and, finally, Dionysian.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
