Insanity: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in general contexts to describe severe mental illness or extreme irrationality, often in a dramatic or hyperbolic sense.

• His plan to climb the mountain in one day was pure insanity.
• The court ruled that he couldn't be held responsible due to insanity.

Used to describe extreme and often uncontrolled irrationality, excitement, or chaos. It can be used both seriously to describe mental illness or more colloquially to emphasize extreme behavior.

• The crowd's reaction to the announcement was sheer madness.
• In the story, the character's descent into madness is depicted vividly.

A general and neutral term used in medical or psychological contexts to describe various conditions affecting mental health. It does not carry negative or dramatic connotations.

• Mental illness should be treated just like any other medical condition.
• She advocates for better mental illness awareness and support.

Refers to a serious disturbance in mental function, often implying a loss of reason or cognitive control. This term has a more clinical or pathological connotation.

• The doctor noted signs of derangement in the patient's behavior.
• His sudden derangement was linked to the traumatic event he experienced.

Use in situations involving severe mental disorder or extreme, unpredictable behavior. It often implies a clinical condition or something beyond normal reasoning.

• His actions were a sign of insanity
• Her insanity led her to do things most people would consider impossible

Used when referring to lack of good sense or judgment, typically in a mild or light-hearted context.

• His foolishness got him into trouble again
• Laughing at the teacher's mistake was pure foolishness

Best used to describe actions or thoughts that lack logic or reason, often tied to emotional reactions.

• Her irrationality in denying the evidence surprised everyone
• The irrationality of his fears made it difficult for him to think clearly

Appropriate in cases involving things that are ridiculous, illogical, or unreasonable to the point of being laughable.

• The proposal to build a bridge to nowhere was pure absurdity
• The absurdity of the situation made everyone laugh