Dement Meaning: Definition and Examples

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dement

[dษชหˆmษ›nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

mental decline

To dement means to drive someone to madness or to inflict mental illness upon them. It is often used in a historical context where individuals were considered to have lost their sanity.

Synonyms

derange, drive mad, insane.

Examples of usage

  • The stress of the situation began to dement him slowly.
  • Her constant worries about the future seemed to dement her.
  • The isolation and fear in the haunted house made the characters feel as if they were being demented.

Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • Dementia is not a single disease but a general term covering various brain illnesses that affect memory and cognitive functions.
  • Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for up to 70% of cases.
  • Symptoms can include memory loss, language difficulties, and impaired judgment, often worsening over time.

Psychology

  • Research suggests that factors like age, genetics, and lifestyle can influence the onset of dementia-related conditions.
  • Cognitive training and engaging in puzzles can potentially help delay the symptoms of dementia in some individuals.

Social Awareness

  • Dementia affects millions of people worldwide, making awareness and understanding critical in supporting those affected.
  • Support groups for families and caregivers can help them cope with the challenges of caring for individuals with dementia.

Literature

  • Dementia has been a poignant theme in literature, appearing in works that explore the fragility of memory and identity.
  • Books like 'Still Alice' by Lisa Genova offer insight into the personal experiences of those living with dementia.

Origin of 'dement'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dement' comes from the Latin 'dementare', meaning 'to drive mad' or 'to lose one's senses'.
  • It is related to the word 'dementia', which refers to a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities.

The word 'dement' originates from the Latin term 'dementare', which means to be mad or out of one's mind. This term is derived from 'de-' meaning 'down from' and 'mens', which translates to 'mind'. Over the centuries, the word has evolved but maintained a connection to mental health and sanity. In historical texts, 'dement' often referred to individuals who exhibited signs of mental illness, madness, or irrational behavior. The understanding of mental health has changed significantly since the word first appeared, but 'dement' continues to be used in literary and psychological contexts to describe the loss of sanity or rational thought.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,079, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.