derange

verb

de·​range di-ˈrānj How to pronounce derange (audio)
deranged; deranging
Synonyms of derangenext

transitive verb

1
: to disturb the operation or functions of
deranged by even the slightest damage
2
: disarrange
… hatless, with tie derangedG. W. Stonier
3
: to make mentally unsound
derangement noun

Examples of derange in a Sentence

being stranded at night on a lonely road would derange anyone the storage room had all been deranged by the earthquake, and it took hours to sort things out
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This series is the gripping tale of Paul’s real-time investigation into four murders related to Joe Naso, pitting one of America’s best detectives against one of its most prolific and deranged serial killers. Todd Spangler, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026 It’d be deranged not to bring back Storrie and Williams as the leads—so of course their return has been confirmed. Daisy Jones, Vogue, 27 Jan. 2026 The political landscape is horrifying, distracting, deranged and unhinged. Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 27 Jan. 2026 None of them were deranged enough to crack Williams — though Storrie, on the other hand, was slightly unprepared for the heat their fans brought to the game. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for derange

Word History

Etymology

French déranger, from Old French desrengier, from des- de- + reng line, row — more at rank entry 1

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of derange was in 1769

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Derange.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derange. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

derange

verb
de·​range di-ˈrānj How to pronounce derange (audio)
deranged; deranging
1
: to put out of order : disarrange
hair deranged by the wind
2
often offensive : to make insane
derangement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on derange

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster