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 of madness

• 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

Except none of it was true — and the real perpetrator behind the madness wasn’t who anyone suspected. — Katie Mather, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Their win was a victory for method over the madness that always threatened to be Argentina’s undoing. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026

Only readers can stop this madness, by turning their attention elsewhere. — Matthew Walther, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

While Arraez is accustomed to the madness of the deadline, this trade season will be the latest new experience for manager Tony Vitello. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 20 July 2026

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