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 excitement of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament has officially arrived in Sacramento, and fans were feeling every bit of the madness. —Conor McGill, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026

March's meteor madness March had several notable fireball events. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2026

The UConn men and women have created countless memories through the madness of March and onto the championships won in April. —Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026

There’s a method behind Hetherman’s madness, which is probably the most apt description of his coaching style. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 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