Psychotic: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in clinical or medical contexts to describe severe mental disorders with symptoms like delusions or hallucinations.

• She was diagnosed as psychotic and is receiving treatment.
• His psychotic episodes make it difficult for him to maintain a job.

Can be used to describe extreme foolishness or irrational behavior. It can also be an old-fashioned term for severe mental illness, but it is often used informally and might be considered offensive in a medical context.

• That idea is completely insane!
• He was declared legally insane.

Typically used to describe someone who is completely unable to think or act in a normal way due to extreme mental disturbance, often used in a negative or alarming manner.

• The plot of the movie involves a deranged killer.
• He seemed deranged and was talking to himself in the street.

Casually used to describe someone behaving in an unpredictable or very enthusiastic way. It can also be used to describe something extremely good or exciting, but might be considered offensive if referring to mental health.

• She is crazy about her new hobby.
• That party was absolutely crazy!
• He acted crazy after the argument.

Commonly used in British English to refer to irrational or foolish behavior, or in American English to simply mean 'angry'. Can also refer to mental instability but might be seen as old-fashioned or informal.

• Are you mad? You can't drive that fast!
• She became mad with rage when he lied to her.
• The inventor was considered mad by his peers.

Used to describe someone who is suffering from a serious mental illness that involves a loss of contact with reality.

• The patient was diagnosed as psychotic and required immediate treatment.
• Her psychotic episodes made it difficult for her to distinguish between reality and hallucinations.

Used to describe behaviors or thoughts that lack reason or logical thinking.

• His fear of harmless insects is totally irrational.
• She made an irrational decision to quit her job without any backup plan.

Used to describe actions, behaviors, or events that involve physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something.

• The film contains several violent scenes that may not be suitable for children.
• He had a violent outburst after hearing the bad news.

Used to describe something or someone whose actions or outcomes cannot be anticipated.

• The weather has been very unpredictable lately, with sudden storms and clear skies.
• Working with him can be stressful because he is so unpredictable.