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

The quiet moments of the offseason were eventually quelled by the madness of a young locker room, on a team replete with potential. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Unexamined grief becomes grievance, and that way madness lies. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026

This being Dodge, of course, the AWD is optional and can be shut off at will when the driver prefers rear-wheel madness. — New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026

Gold joined the show in Season 2, just as muppet madness was really taking off. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 12 Oct. 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