rave

¹

[reyv]

verb (used without object)

raved, raving 

1. to talk wildly, as in delirium.

   Synonyms: rhapsodize, gush, enthuse, storm, rant, rage, jabber, babble

2. to talk or write with extravagant enthusiasm.

   She raved about her trip to Europe.

3. (of wind, water, storms, etc.) to make a wild or furious sound; rage.

verb (used with object)

raved, raving 

1. to utter as if in madness.

noun

1. an act of raving.

2. an extravagantly enthusiastic appraisal or review of something.

3. a dance party featuring electronic dance music arranged by a disc jockey and a light show or other visual effects, and typically characterized by amphetamine and psychedelic drug use.

   They have these all-night raves in a field just outside the city limits.

4. British Informal.,  a boisterous party, especially a dance.

   We hung pretty party lights and invited everyone who lived in the building to our rooftop rave.

adjective

1. extravagantly flattering or enthusiastic.

   rave reviews of a new play.

rave

²

[reyv]

noun

1. a vertical sidepiece of a wagon or other vehicle.

rave

¹

/ reɪv /

verb

1. to utter (something) in a wild or incoherent manner, as when mad or delirious

2. (intr) to speak in an angry uncontrolled manner

3. (intr) (of the sea, wind, etc) to rage or roar

4. informal,  (intr; foll by over or about) to write or speak (about) with great enthusiasm

5. slang,  (intr) to enjoy oneself wildly or uninhibitedly

noun

1. informal

   1. enthusiastic or extravagant praise

   2. ( as modifier )

      a rave review

2. slang

   1. Also called: rave-up. a party

   2. a professionally organized party for young people, with electronic dance music, sometimes held in a field or disused building

3. slang,  a fad or fashion

   the latest rave

4. a name given to various types of dance music, such as techno, that feature fast electronic rhythm

rave

²

/ reɪv /

noun

1. a vertical sidepiece on a wagon

Other Word Forms

• raver noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rave¹

First recorded in 1325–75; 1915–25 rave ¹ for def. 2; 1960–65 rave ¹ for def. 8; 1985–90 rave ¹ for def. 7; Middle English verb raven, probably from Middle French resver “to wander, be delirious”; further origin uncertain

Origin of rave²

First recorded in 1520–30; origin obscure; probably an alteration of dialect rathe “rail or shaft on a cart”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rave¹

C14 raven , apparently from Old French resver to wander

Origin of rave²

C16: modification of dialect rathe , of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

see rant and rave; stark raving mad.

Example Sentences

Apart from the critical raves and awards, though, the film made her a fashion icon via Annie’s fedora hats, vests, ties and baggy pants.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Guy Gilboa Dalal was taken from Supernova, his first rave party, along with three friends when he was abducted by Hamas.

Read more on Barron's

Onion-sweet and given depth from the liberal use of mushrooms, the Vegetarian Chopped Liver won raves at a recent Yom Kippur break fast.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s why he was skeptical when a local travel coach contacted him, raving about a huge sixth grader he knew had the tools to be great.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Jacob Dunne’s biographical story, adapted by James Graham, arrives on Broadway after Adam Penford’s production received rave reviews in the U.K.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• babble 
• freak out 
• fume 
• go crazy www.thesaurus.com
• rant