Craziness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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craziness

[หˆkreษชzษชnษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mental state

The quality or state of being mentally deranged; insanity. The state of being wild or irrational; madness. Extreme foolishness or irrationality.

Synonyms

foolishness, insanity, madness.

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Word Description / Examples
craziness

Typically used to describe chaotic or wild behavior in a casual or informal tone.

  • The concert was pure craziness with everyone dancing and singing along.
  • The craziness of the holiday rush makes shopping exhausting.
insanity

Used in a more serious or dramatic context to describe severe mental illness or extreme irrationality. Can be offensive if used insensitively.

  • Pleading insanity, the defendant hoped to avoid jail time.
  • The project's timeline is sheer insanity; it's impossible to meet.
madness

Can be used to describe extreme irrational behavior or situations that are absurdly chaotic. It has a slightly more intense connotation than 'craziness'.

  • The decision to quit his job without a backup plan was madness.
  • The morning commute was pure madness with all the traffic and delays.
foolishness

Used to highlight actions or behavior that lack good sense or judgment, often with a negative connotation.

  • His foolishness led him to make a risky investment.
  • Don't show your foolishness by ignoring important safety rules.

Examples of usage

  • Her craziness was evident in the way she behaved at the party.
  • The craziness of his actions left everyone shocked and confused.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Craziness can refer to behaviors or thoughts that are different from what most people consider normal.
  • Mental health conditions might sometimes be thought of as craziness, but they are actually serious issues that require understanding and support.
  • The concept challenges societal norms, suggesting that what is considered 'crazy' can vary widely between cultures.

Culture

  • In popular culture, craziness is often celebrated in movies and music, where characters break free from rules to express themselves.
  • Festivals around the world sometimes embrace craziness, allowing people to act wildly as part of traditions.
  • The term can also be a badge of honor among artists, indicating a unique and out-of-the-box perspective.

Literature

  • Authors like Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear used craziness in their works to highlight absurdity and whimsy.
  • Craziness often serves as a central theme in literature, exploring the boundaries of sanity and societal expectations.
  • Many characters in classic novels experience moments of craziness that lead to profound transformation or insight.

History

  • Throughout history, true stories of 'madness' have often led to significant changes in how societies view mental health.
  • The term has evolved, highlighting the shift from stigmatizing individuals to focusing on mental health care and understanding.
  • Craziness has been depicted in various art forms throughout history, used to challenge authority and provoke thought.

Science

  • Neuroscientific research has shown that the brain can exhibit 'crazy' patterns during moments of intense creativity or stress.
  • Some psychologists propose that a degree of 'craziness' can enhance creative thinking, leading to innovative ideas.
  • The relationship between mental health and creativity is a subject of great interest, as many creative individuals have experienced mental health challenges.

Origin of 'craziness'

The word 'craziness' originated from the Middle English word 'crasines', which in turn came from the Old French word 'crainte' meaning 'fear'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to mental derangement or irrationality. The term has been used in various contexts to describe extreme behaviors or states of mind.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,690 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.