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.
With Michael Shannon magnificently plainspoken as Garfield, Matthew Macfadyen tragically deranged as Charles Guiteau and Nick Offerman steeped in inner conflict as undeserving Vice President Chester Alan Arthur, this is as good as historical drama gets. Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 23 Dec. 2025 They are not deranged or crazed. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 16 Dec. 2025 Actor Ron Perlman, delightfully deranged and playing one of two antagonists here (the other is Mexican film legend Claudio Brook), went on to become one of del Toro’s most enduring collaborators. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 8 Dec. 2025 Many of those viewers have strong opinions and allegiances and are deranged. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025 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 28 Dec. 2025.

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
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