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Synonyms

stark raving mad

Idioms  

  1. Totally crazy, as in The constant uncertainty over his job is making him stark raving mad. This term, meaning “completely wildly insane,” is used both hyperbolically and literally. Versions of this expression appear to have sprung from the minds of great literary figures. Stark mad was first recorded by poet John Skelton in 1489; stark raving was first recorded by playwright John Beaumont in 1648; stark staring mad was first used by John Dryden in 1693. The current wording, stark raving mad, first appeared in Henry Fielding's The Intriguing Chambermaid in 1734.

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.

The truth is it drove him stark raving mad.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2019

Blues owner Roman Abramovich would be stark raving mad to part company with Jose Mourinho, but if he did why wouldn't you go for Koeman?

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2015

Anyone who thinks this is a great tragedy or great injustice is stark raving mad.

From Forbes • Sep. 25, 2014

They express frustration, anger and often helplessness — powerful emotions that come from the constant onslaught of a culture that has gone stark raving mad.

From Washington Times • Jun. 3, 2014

“You’re stark raving mad, mfundisi,” he declared with flaming eyes.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane

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.