Insanity: meaning, definitions and examples

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insanity

[ɪnˈsanɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mental health

The state of being seriously mentally ill; madness.

Synonyms

derangement, madness, mental illness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
insanity	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.
madness	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.
mental illness	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.
derangement	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.

Examples of usage

He suffered from periods of insanity.
The insanity of war is well documented.
She was declared legally insane due to her actions.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

Extreme foolishness or irrationality.

Synonyms

absurdity, foolishness, irrationality.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
insanity	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
foolishness	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
irrationality	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
absurdity	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

Examples of usage

It would be sheer insanity to go out in this weather.
The decision to invest all their money in the risky venture was utter insanity.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term traces back to the Latin 'insanitas,' meaning ‘unhealthy’ or ‘unsound mind’.
In the 19th century, laws regarding insanity began to change, affecting how society treated individuals with mental health issues.

Psychology

Insanity is often used in legal contexts to determine whether a person is responsible for their actions due to a severe mental disorder.
The most famous test for legal insanity is the M'Naghten Rule, which considers whether the individual knew right from wrong when committing a crime.

Pop Culture

Insanity is frequently portrayed in films and books, often emphasizing dramatic changes in a character's behavior, such as in 'A Beautiful Mind' and 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.'
Rock music has often used themes of insanity, with artists expressing feelings of disconnection or turmoil, as seen in songs by artists like Pink Floyd.

Mental Health

Modern mental health professionals aim to demystify the concept, focusing instead on specific conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder rather than broad labels.
Stigmas surrounding insanity can lead to misunderstanding; many people living with mental health issues can lead fulfilling lives with proper support.

Literature

In literature, insanity often symbolizes the struggle against societal norms, as seen in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' where madness plays a vital role in the narrative.
Discussions of insanity challenge readers to reflect on the thin line between sane and insane in characters’ actions and thoughts, notable in works by Edgar Allan Poe.

Translations

Translations of the word "insanity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 loucura

🇮🇳 पागलपन

🇩🇪 Wahnsinn

🇮🇩 kegilaan

🇺🇦 божевілля

🇵🇱 szaleństwo

🇯🇵 狂気 (きょうき)

🇫🇷 folie

🇪🇸 locura

🇹🇷 delilik

🇰🇷 광기 (gwanggi)

🇸🇦 جنون (junoon)

🇨🇿 šílenství

🇸🇰 šialenstvo

🇨🇳 疯狂 (fēngkuáng)

🇸🇮 norost

🇮🇸 geðveiki

🇰🇿 жындану

🇬🇪 სიგიჟე (sigije)

🇦🇿 dəli

🇲🇽 locura

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,586 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8583 ornaments
8584 objectionable
8585 hopeful
8586 insanity
8587 medications
8588 vent
8589 decrees
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