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.

Related Words

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