Madman: meaning, definitions and examples

🤪
Add to dictionary

madman

 

[ ˈmædˌmæn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mental state

A madman is an individual who exhibits severe mental instability or insanity. This term often conveys the idea of someone who behaves in an unpredictable or violent manner, often isolated from societal norms. It can also imply a lack of rational thought or an overwhelming obsession that drives their actions. In literature and folklore, madmen are frequently depicted as tragic figures whose derangement leads to their downfall.

Synonyms

deranged individual, insane person, lunatic, maniac

Examples of usage

  • The madman shouted in the street.
  • Many tales of a madman wandering the hills exist.
  • He was considered a madman for his radical ideas.
Context #2 | Noun

literary usage

In literary contexts, a madman is often portrayed as a complex character caught between reality and madness. Their deranged states can serve as a vehicle for exploring deep themes such as sanity, societal rejection, and the human condition. These characters often evoke sympathy while simultaneously creating a sense of fear or unpredictability in stories.

Synonyms

crazy person, eccentric, fool, psychopath

Examples of usage

  • The novel's protagonist was a madman in the eyes of society.
  • Shakespeare frequently used the madman archetype in his plays.
  • The madman's rants provided insight into his troubled psyche.

Translations

Translations of the word "madman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lunático

🇮🇳 पागल

🇩🇪 Verrückter

🇮🇩 orang gila

🇺🇦 божевільний

🇵🇱 szaleniec

🇯🇵 狂人

🇫🇷 fou

🇪🇸 loco

🇹🇷 deli

🇰🇷 미친 사람

🇸🇦 مجنون

🇨🇿 blázen

🇸🇰 blázon

🇨🇳 疯子

🇸🇮 norček

🇮🇸 geðveikur

🇰🇿 ақыл-ойы бұзылған

🇬🇪 გიჟი

🇦🇿 dəlil

🇲🇽 loco

Word origin

The term 'madman' originates from the combination of 'mad,' which stems from Old English 'gemaedde' meaning 'to be crazy or insane,' and 'man,' which refers to an adult male human. The word has evolved over centuries, with the connotation of madness associated with a departure from societal norms. In earlier societies, individuals labeled as madmen were often ostracized or institutionalized due to fear and misunderstanding. Over time, the term has appeared in various cultural contexts, including literature and psychology, and has played a significant role in character development to illustrate the complexities of the human mind. Today, it reflects both a historical stigma and an artistic archetype, representing the thin line between sanity and insanity.