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

When an early reader asked me if the novel’s premise was madness or spirituality, my answer was: both. —Tochi Eze august 5, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2025

The LoDo madness began in the first inning when the Pirates sent 14 men to the plate and scored 10 runs on nine hits. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 2 Aug. 2025

Kurosawa’s films often probe a character’s descent into madness as commitment and dedication to a profession or even a hobby slowly give way to obsession. —Scott Phillips, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Calling all nocturnal movie lovers: The Toronto Film Festival has unveiled its midnight madness slate, a lineup of often disturbing and always raucous works of cinema. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 24 July 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