Delirious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ตโ๐ซ
delirious
[dษชหlษชษriษs ]
Definitions
state of mind
Delirious refers to a disturbed state of mind characterized by restlessness, confusion, and hallucinations. It often results from illness, intoxication, or extreme fatigue, leading to a lack of coherence in thought and speech.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He became delirious after a high fever.
- The patient was delirious and could not recognize his family.
- After days without sleep, she felt delirious and disoriented.
intense joy
In a more light-hearted context, delirious can describe a state of intense excitement or happiness. People may use the word to convey overwhelming joy or enthusiasm, often resulting in an inability to think clearly.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She was delirious with happiness after winning the competition.
- The fans were delirious when their team won the championship.
- He felt delirious with joy at the surprise party.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Medicine
- Delirium can be caused by various factors, including severe infections, dehydration, and the effects of certain medications.
- Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable to experiencing delirium due to changes in their health status and medications.
Pop Culture
- In movies and books, characters often exhibit delirious behavior when they've been through intense situations, leading to humorous or dramatic scenes.
- Popular songs use 'delirious' to express euphoric feelings of excitement or love, showcasing the positive side of extreme emotions.
Psychology
- Delirium can lead to difficulties in attention and awareness, making it a hot topic in psychological studies about cognitive health.
- Certain patterns of delirious behavior can reveal insights into a person's emotional state during stressful events.
Literature
- Writers often use delirious characters to explore themes of madness, reality, and perception, adding depth to their narratives.
- In poetry, the term can symbolize overwhelming feelings that come from deep love or loss, capturing the essence of human experience.
Origin of 'delirious'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Latin word 'delirare,' which means 'to be crazy' or 'to wander off the track.'
- Originally used in the medical field to describe a disturbed state of mind, the word has evolved to describe extreme excitement or confusion.
The word 'delirious' comes from the Latin 'delirare', which means 'to go off the tracks'. It is composed of 'de-' meaning 'away from' and 'lira' meaning 'a furrow', which implies straying from the correct path or course. The term was initially used in medical contexts to describe a disordered state of consciousness observed in patients suffering from severe fevers or acute illnesses. Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass a more general use in describing states of extreme excitement or chaos, both mentally and emotionally. The transformation reflects a broader understanding of mental states as they relate to both physical ailment and emotional exuberance. The popular use of 'delirious' in everyday language today can be traced back to the late 19th century as it started appearing in literary and cultural references outside of medical jargon, often in the context of overwhelming joy or excitement.