Madwoman: meaning, definitions and examples
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madwoman
[ ˈmædˌwʊmən ]
mental state
A madwoman refers to a woman who exhibits irrational or insane behavior. Often, this term has been used in literature and media to describe female characters who deviate from societal norms or expectations, resulting in their being labeled mentally unwell. The term can also be used to depict someone who acts wildly or with excessive emotions. In historical contexts, madwomen were often misunderstood and even institutionalized, leading to negative connotations surrounding mental health. Today, the term is considered derogatory when used to dismiss or belittle individuals with actual mental health struggles.
Synonyms
crazy woman, hysteric, insane woman
Examples of usage
- She was labeled a madwoman for her radical ideas.
- The novel portrays the struggles of a madwoman in a repressive society.
- Many stories feature the trope of the madwoman in the attic.
Translations
Translations of the word "madwoman" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mulher louca
🇮🇳 पागल औरत
🇩🇪 Wahnsinnige
🇮🇩 wanita gila
🇺🇦 божевільна жінка
🇵🇱 szalona kobieta
🇯🇵 狂った女
🇫🇷 femme folle
🇪🇸 mujer loca
🇹🇷 deli kadın
🇰🇷 미친 여자
🇸🇦 امرأة مجنونة
🇨🇿 šílená žena
🇸🇰 bláznivá žena
🇨🇳 疯女人
🇸🇮 norostna ženska
🇮🇸 geðveik kona
🇰🇿 жынды әйел
🇬🇪 მიჟღავებული ქალი
🇦🇿 dəlil qadın
🇲🇽 mujer loca
Etymology
The term 'madwoman' finds its origins in the combination of 'mad', derived from Old English 'gemædde', meaning 'angry' or 'insane', and 'woman', which can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *wīban. Historically, the concept of madness has been linked closely to gender, with women often being characterized as more susceptible to madness due to hysteria, a term rooted in ancient Greek medicine, where it was thought that the uterus could cause emotional instability. Over time, societal attitudes toward mental illness have evolved, but the term 'madwoman' remains a powerful cultural symbol. In literature, madwomen have served as significant archetypes, representing rebellion against patriarchal norms or acting as a reflection of societal fears regarding female autonomy and creativity. Authors such as Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Virginia Woolf have used this motif to explore deeper themes of identity and mental health. As awareness around mental health issues grows, the term is increasingly recognized as pejorative, reflecting outdated and harmful stereotypes.