madness

mad-ness · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The state of being mentally ill; insanity.

  2. 2.

    Extremely foolish or reckless behavior.

  3. 3.

    A state of wild excitement or frenzy.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    method in one's madness — An underlying purpose behind seemingly crazy behavior.
  • •
    March madness — The annual NCAA basketball tournament (US).

Related words

Antonyms: reason, sanity
See also: insanity, lunacy, mad
Synonyms: craziness, insanity, lunacy

Etymology

From Old English gemad ("mad, insane") + -ness (noun suffix).