Craziness

/ˈkreɪzɪnəs/ noun

Definition

the quality or state of being crazy, irrational, or mentally unstable.

Etymology

From 'crazy' (possibly from Middle Dutch 'kraze' meaning to break or shatter), plus the suffix '-ness' (Old English, meaning state or condition).

Kelly Says

Medieval English speakers didn't have the word 'crazy'—they used 'mad' or 'witless,' but the Dutch borrowed word 'crazy' (something that's been broken or shattered) only became common English in the 1600s, showing how new words fill emotional gaps in language.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.