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Berserk: meaning, definitions and examples

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berserk

 

[ bərˈsɜrk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

state of madness

Berserk refers to a state of wild or frenzied rage. This term is often associated with losing control and acting in a reckless or destructive manner, sometimes linked to a historical depiction of warriors in a battle frenzy.

Synonyms

frenzied, insane, maniacal, wild

Examples of usage

  • He went berserk when he found out what happened.
  • The crowd became berserk during the concert.
  • She was berserk with anger after the betrayal.
Context #2 | Noun

person in rage

As a noun, a berserk refers to a person who is in a state of frenzied aggression or uncontrolled energy, often characterized by violent outbursts.

Synonyms

madman, maniac, wildman

Examples of usage

  • The berserk rampaged through the town.
  • In the story, the berserk caused havoc wherever he went.
  • He felt like a berserk after losing his job.

Translations

Translations of the word "berserk" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descontrolado

🇮🇳 बेरहम

🇩🇪 wütend

🇮🇩 gila

🇺🇦 божевільний

🇵🇱 szalony

🇯🇵 狂った

🇫🇷 fou

🇪🇸 loco

🇹🇷 çılgın

🇰🇷 미친

🇸🇦 مجنون

🇨🇿 šílený

🇸🇰 šialený

🇨🇳 狂暴的

🇸🇮 nor

🇮🇸 geðveikur

🇰🇿 жындан

🇬🇪 გიჟი

🇦🇿 dəlilik

🇲🇽 loco

Word origin

The word 'berserk' has its origins in the Old Norse term 'berserkr', which combines 'ber' (bear) and 'serkr' (shirt). The berserkers were legendary Norse warriors known for fighting with a fierce rage, often believed to have entered a trance-like state during battle. They are described in sagas as wearing bear skins and gaining strength and ferocity from their animalistic connection. This historical context has contributed to the modern meaning, which conveys a sense of uncontrollable fury or intense madness, often applied in both literal and metaphorical scenarios.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,394 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.