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Maddened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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maddened

[หˆmรฆd.ษ™nd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional state

The term 'maddened' describes a state of being extremely angry or frustrated, often to the point of losing control. It is derived from the verb 'madden', which means to make someone feel extreme agitation or fury. When a person is maddened, they may exhibit erratic behavior, impulsiveness, or aggression as a reaction to their intense emotions. This state is typically temporary but can lead to severe consequences if not managed. It can reflect both a personal turmoil as well as the aftermath of external provocations.

Synonyms

angry, enraged, furious, infuriated, livid.

Examples of usage

  • The maddened crowd surged towards the stage.
  • He became maddened by the repeated interruptions during his speech.
  • Feeling maddened, she stormed out of the meeting.
  • The maddened dog barked fiercely at the strangers.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Intense anger can trigger a 'fight or flight' response, causing people to act irrationally.
  • Research has shown that prolonged feelings of anger can be harmful to physical health, leading to stress and various illnesses.
  • Emotional dysregulation can lead to moments of being 'maddened', where individuals lose the ability to effectively manage their feelings.

Literature

  • Shakespeare often portrayed characters in a state of madness, reflecting on the thin line between reason and anger.
  • In modern fiction, characters described as 'maddened' often symbolize the loss of moral compass or descent into chaos.
  • Classic texts like 'The Tell-Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe explore themes of madness, demonstrating how anger can distort perception.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, mad characters often serve as antagonists, showcasing how unchecked anger leads to destructive behavior.
  • The portrayal of 'maddened' characters in cartoons often dramatizes their anger for comedic effect, exaggerating their reactions.
  • Video games often include 'maddened' characters, where players must navigate extreme anger and its consequences.

History

  • Historically, societies have viewed individuals who experienced 'maddened' states as needing help or as threats, influencing mental health care practices.
  • In ancient cultures, being 'maddened' was sometimes attributed to possession by spirits, showcasing different societal beliefs about anger and madness.
  • During times of war, leaders have been described as 'maddened' by their circumstances, leading to rash decisions with far-reaching consequences.

Origin of 'maddened'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'mฤdd' meaning 'mad' or 'angry'.
  • It was originally linked to mental illness, as people viewed madness as losing control over one's emotions and actions.
  • In literature, the form 'maddened' shows a change from being merely angry to losing one's reason due to that anger.

The word 'maddened' is the past participle of the verb 'madden,' which traces its origins back to the Old English word 'gemรฆdenian', meaning 'to cause to be mad or furious'. The essence of the term is connected to the broader English word 'mad', which has evolved over centuries. Originally, 'mad' used to describe someone who is insane or mentally ill, which in the medieval context often implied severe emotional disturbances. As language evolved, the term began to encompass a more generalized expression of extreme anger or frustration, especially in the context of someone being driven to 'madness' by external forces such as provocation or injustice. Today, 'maddened' captures both the notion of emotional turmoil and the behavioral manifestations that may accompany it, reflecting a state where reason is overshadowed by intense feelings.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,291, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.