Madhouse: meaning, definitions and examples
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madhouse
[ ˈmædhaʊs ]
extreme chaos
A madhouse refers to a place of madness or extreme chaos, often characterized by disorganization and uproar. This term is typically used to describe settings that are overwhelming or full of frenzied activity. It can also signify a situation or environment that feels uncontrollable and wild, reflecting the disorderly nature of the activities within it. Though often used colloquially, it can convey a sense of humor or exaggeration in describing a hectic scenario.
Synonyms
bedlam, chaos, commotion, hysteria, insanity
Examples of usage
- The party turned into a madhouse after midnight.
- When the kids are all together, it feels like a madhouse.
- The office was a madhouse during the big project deadline.
Translations
Translations of the word "madhouse" in other languages:
🇵🇹 manicômio
🇮🇳 मानसिक अस्पताल
🇩🇪 Irrenanstalt
🇮🇩 rumah sakit jiwa
🇺🇦 божевільня
🇵🇱 szpital psychiatryczny
🇯🇵 精神病院
🇫🇷 hôpital psychiatrique
🇪🇸 manicomio
🇹🇷 akıl hastanesi
🇰🇷 정신병원
🇸🇦 مستشفى للأمراض العقلية
🇨🇿 psychiatrická nemocnice
🇸🇰 psychiatrická nemocnica
🇨🇳 精神病院
🇸🇮 psihiatrčna bolnišnica
🇮🇸 geðsjúkrahús
🇰🇿 психиатриялық аурухана
🇬🇪 სისხლის სამართლის საავადმყოფო
🇦🇿 psixiatriya xəstəxanası
🇲🇽 manicomio
Etymology
The term 'madhouse' has historical roots that trace back to the early 17th century, emerging during a period when insane asylums and places for the mentally ill were being established in various parts of Europe, particularly in England. Originally, 'madhouse' referred to these institutions where individuals exhibiting signs of mental illness were housed. The word itself is a compound of 'mad', which derives from the Old English 'gemæd', meaning 'insane' or 'foolish', and 'house', meaning a dwelling or building. Over time, the usage of 'madhouse' evolved to encompass not only the literal institutions for the insane but also to describe any setting that feels chaotic or riotous. It reflects societal attitudes towards mental illness, as well as the frequent associations of madness with distressing or tumultuous environments, leading to its broader colloquial use today.