Bedlamize

/ˈbɛdləmaɪz/ verb

Definition

To drive someone insane or to turn something into a state of chaos and confusion (American spelling).

Etymology

From Bedlam + the suffix -ize (American spelling convention). The American version of bedlamise emerged alongside American English standardization in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

The American -ize and British -ise endings represent one of the great spelling splits between English dialects, each claiming their version is more historically accurate!

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