Insane: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone who has lost touch with reality or is exhibiting extremely irrational behavior. It can also be used informally to describe something that is impressively extreme.

• The plot of that movie is absolutely insane.
• After he lost his job, people said he went insane.

Commonly used in everyday language to describe wild or unexpected behavior. It can be positive or negative depending on the context and can also describe situations or things.

• That party was crazy!
• She must be crazy to take such a risk.

Common in British English for describing someone as mentally ill. In American English, it’s often used to mean 'angry,' but it can also mean 'wild' or 'crazy' in both varieties of English.

• The scientist was mad with excitement about his new discovery.
• She got mad when she found out what happened.

Describes someone who is mentally disturbed to the point of exhibiting wild or violent behavior. It has a very negative connotation.

• The news described the suspect as a deranged individual.
• His deranged actions led to severe consequences.

Refers to thinking or behavior that lacks reason or logic. It is often used to describe actions that don't make sense.

• Her fear of small spaces is completely irrational.
• He made an irrational decision based on emotions rather than facts.

Use this word to express something that is crazy, wild, or beyond normal limits. It can have a negative connotation when describing a situation or a person's state of mind.

• The idea of jumping off a cliff without a parachute is insane.
• He worked an insane number of hours last week.

This word is suitable for emphasizing a very high degree of something. It is neutral and can be used in most situations.

• It is extremely important to finish this project on time.
• The weather is extremely cold today.