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Mad Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mad

[mæd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

mentally ill; insane

Synonyms

crazy, deranged, insane, psychotic, unbalanced.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mad

Repeated word
insane

Used both informally to describe something extreme or unbelievable, and in formal settings to refer to severe mental illness. Can have negative connotations, especially in the latter sense.

  • That roller coaster ride was insane!
  • The court ruled that he was legally insane.
crazy

Frequently used in informal settings to describe someone who behaves in an irrational or wild manner. Can also mean extremely enthusiastic or excited about something. Sometimes used negatively to describe extreme or unusual behavior.

  • That idea is just crazy.
  • He's crazy about playing the guitar.
deranged

Used in more serious contexts to describe someone whose mental state is severely disturbed or unstable. Has a strong negative connotation.

  • The character in the movie was portrayed as a deranged killer.
  • He sounded completely deranged when he was yelling.
unbalanced

Used to describe someone who is mentally unstable or emotionally disturbed. May be used in both formal and informal contexts, usually with a negative connotation.

  • He appeared unbalanced after the traumatic incident.
  • Her unbalanced nature caused problems in their relationship.
psychotic

Used in medical or psychological contexts to describe someone who has lost touch with reality, experiencing symptoms like delusions or hallucinations. Strong negative connotation.

  • The patient was diagnosed as psychotic and was given medication.
  • Her behavior seemed almost psychotic with all the paranoia.

Examples of usage

  • He was convinced that his neighbors were plotting against him, driving him mad.
  • She felt like she was going mad with all the stress at work.
  • Don't listen to him, he's just mad with jealousy.
  • I think you need to see a therapist if you believe these mad conspiracy theories.
  • Her constant mood swings made everyone around her think she was going mad.
Context #2 | Adjective

angry

very angry

Synonyms

angry, enraged, furious, infuriated, irritated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mad

Commonly used in casual conversation to describe being slightly upset or annoyed, typically in American English. In British English, 'mad' can also mean 'crazy'.

  • I'm mad that I missed the bus.
  • Are you mad at me?
angry

Appropriate for describing a moderate level of displeasure or annoyance. Suitable for both casual and formal situations.

  • She was angry about the delay.
  • His angry words hurt her feelings.
irritated

Used to convey minor annoyance or discomfort. Not as intense as the other words and often used in everyday situations.

  • He was irritated by the loud noise.
  • I'm getting irritated with this slow internet.
enraged

Used to describe a very high level of anger, usually in more formal or dramatic contexts.

  • The customer was enraged by the poor service.
  • The decision left him feeling completely enraged.
furious

Indicates intense anger, often used when someone is extremely upset and likely to take action. Can be used in both casual and serious contexts.

  • She was furious when she found out the truth.
  • His furious reaction was unexpected.
infuriated

A strong term to describe being extremely angry, often used in more formal or serious situations.

  • The unfair treatment infuriated him.
  • She was infuriated by the constant lies.

Examples of usage

  • He was mad at himself for forgetting their anniversary.
  • She was mad with rage after the argument.
  • Don't make her mad, or she'll never speak to you again.
  • I was mad with frustration when my computer crashed right before the deadline.
  • The customer was mad about the poor service she received.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'mad'

The word 'mad' has origins in Old English, where it was used to describe 'insane' or 'mentally ill'. Over time, the meaning expanded to also include 'angry'. The word has been commonly used in English literature and everyday language for centuries.

See also: madam, madame, madly, madness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,673, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.