madness

[mad-nis]

noun

1. the state of being mad; insanity.

2. senseless folly.

   It is sheer madness to speak as you do.

3. frenzy; rage.

4. intense excitement or enthusiasm.

madness

/ ˈmædnɪs /

noun

1. insanity; lunacy

2. extreme anger, excitement, or foolishness

3. a nontechnical word for rabies

Other Word Forms

• premadness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of madness¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, madness is from the Middle English word madnesse. See mad, -ness

Idioms and Phrases

see method in one's madness.

Example Sentences

"It was just a moment of madness," he told Sky Sports.

Read more on Barron's

It would be madness to write them off in this series.

Read more on BBC

"I saw some images on social media, it was madness in Haiti," Migne said.

Read more on Barron's

A few soldiers try to ignore the madness and target me and Autumn with a variety of ranged weapons.

Read more on Literature

Mrs. Clarke got hold of Ashton’s free arm, but madness and fury had roused his last surge of strength, and she was dragged behind him as he lurched toward the cradle.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• absurdity 
• craziness 
• delusion 
• foolishness 
• hysteria 
• lunacy 
• mania 
• mental illness 
• stupidity