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Bedlam: meaning, definitions and examples

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bedlam

 

[ ˈbed.ləm ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

chaos, uproar, madness

Bedlam refers to a scene of uproar and confusion. Historically, it is derived from the name of the Bethlem Royal Hospital in London, which was known for housing the mentally ill and providing a chaotic environment. The term has evolved to represent any situation of wild disorder or confusion, often characterized by loud and frenetic activity. It can be used to describe both physical spaces and metaphorical situations where chaos reigns.

Synonyms

chaos, hysteria, mayhem, pandemonium, uproar

Examples of usage

  • The concert turned into bedlam when the crowd rushed the stage.
  • The classroom was bedlam after the surprise announcement.
  • There was bedlam in the streets during the festival, with people celebrating everywhere.
  • After the power outage, the office descended into bedlam as employees scrambled to find light.
  • The marketplace was filled with bedlam, with vendors shouting over one another.

Translations

Translations of the word "bedlam" in other languages:

🇵🇹 confusão

🇮🇳 उथल-पुथल

🇩🇪 Verwirrung

🇮🇩 kekacauan

🇺🇦 путанина

🇵🇱 zamieszanie

🇯🇵 混乱 (こんらん)

🇫🇷 tumulte

🇪🇸 confusión

🇹🇷 kaos

🇰🇷 혼란 (혼란)

🇸🇦 فوضى

🇨🇿 zmatení

🇸🇰 zmätok

🇨🇳 混乱 (hùnluàn)

🇸🇮 zmeda

🇮🇸 ringulda

🇰🇿 бұзақылық

🇬🇪 ჭყლეტა

🇦🇿 qarışıqlıq

🇲🇽 confusión

Etymology

The word 'bedlam' originates from the early 14th century, derived from the name of the Bethlem Royal Hospital in London (called Bedlam for short). This hospital was established as a place for the care of the insane and became synonymous with severe mental illness and chaos in the treatment environments. Over time, the term 'bedlam' began to be used more generally to refer to any kind of mad confusion or uproar, far removed from its original association with the institution. By the 16th century, it was already being employed in literature and common speech to describe disorderly scenes and situations, cementing its place in the English language as a descriptor for chaotic environments. Today, 'bedlam' serves as a vivid term illustrating the chaos found in everyday life scenarios, echoing the tumultuous history of its origins.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,967 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.