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

There appears to be a method to the madness in Minnesota. —Trevor Squire, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025

But rather than capturing the madness of the era, Lee drowns in sub-Scorsese excess, confusing saying a lot of things bluntly with saying something meaningful. —Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025

Jude doesn’t waste any time poking fun at the mass appeal madness of trying to create something for everyone. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2025

However, the woman in the red pants appeared to land a kick on one of the men after security settled most of the madness down. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 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