Maddened: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Old English 'mādd' 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.

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.

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

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• 25288 boudoir
• 25289 profundity
• 25290 marketability
• 25291 maddened
• 25292 calved
• 25293 redundancies
• 25294 regressed
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