madness

noun

mad·​ness ˈmad-nəs 

1

: the quality or state of being mad: such as

a

: a state of severe mental illness

—not used technically

… fortifications against an inner darkness, the threat of madness that crouched above him throughout his life.

—Robert F. Moss

b

: behavior or thinking that is very foolish or dangerous : extreme folly

an idea that is pure/sheer madness

c

: ecstasy, enthusiasm

d

: intense anger : rage

2

: any of several ailments of animals marked by frenzied behavior

specifically : rabies

Synonyms

• insanity
• dementia
• hysteria
• schizophrenia

Examples of madness in a Sentence

He suffered a series of tragedies that nearly drove him to madness.

Her friends told her the idea was pure madness, but she went through with it anyway.

It was the height of madness for him to drive at such high speeds!

Recent Examples on the Web

People might be craving horror as a way to make sense of this madness. —Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025

As betrayal and madness loom, Amanda is forced to confront her deepest fears and make an ultimate choice between freedom and acceptance. —Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 25 Sep. 2025

Speaking after the trial day on Monday night, Hinshaw expressed concern about his friend's fate but suggested there might be a method to the madness of Routh's unorthodox defense strategy. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2025

Who is Hinako, and how is she implicated in this story of violence and madness? —Vincent Acovino, NPR, 22 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing madness

• (a) method in/to one's madness

Rhymes for madness

• badness
• gladness
• sadness

Medical Definition

madness

noun

mad·​ness ˈmad-nəs 

1

: a severely disordered state of mind

—not used technically

2

: any of several ailments of animals marked by frenzied behavior

specifically : rabies