delirium

[ dih-leer-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural de·lir·i·ums, de·lir·i·a [dih-, leer, -ee-, uh].

1. Pathology. a more or less temporary disorder of the mental faculties, as in fevers, disturbances of consciousness, or intoxication, characterized by restlessness, excitement, delusions, hallucinations, etc.
2. a state of violent excitement or emotion.

delirium

/ dɪˈlɪrɪəm /

noun

1. a state of excitement and mental confusion, often accompanied by hallucinations, caused by high fever, poisoning, brain injury, etc
2. violent excitement or emotion; frenzy

Derived Forms

• deˈliriant, adjective

Other Words From

• semi·de·liri·um noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of delirium¹

1590–1600; < Latin dēlīrium frenzy, equivalent to dēlīr ( āre ) ( deliration ) + -ium -ium

Word History and Origins

Origin of delirium¹

C16: from Latin: madness, from dēlīrāre, literally: to swerve from a furrow, hence be crazy, from de- + līra ridge, furrow

Example Sentences

He was also suffering from delirium, linked to his dementia.

From BBC

The connection post-workout might have stemmed from the intensity of pushing our physical limits or possibly from the delirium of not knowing what had just happened.

From Los Angeles Times

The 29-year-old recalls "seeing demons" and, in a state of delirium, yelled "I'm so powerful" at officers, who had to use a Taser to subdue him.

From BBC

The need for monitoring side effects is often laid out for paramedics in written guidelines, many of which are based on the disputed belief that excited delirium can cause sudden death.

From Seattle Times

Behind the racial disparity is a disputed medical condition called excited delirium, which fueled the rise of sedation outside hospitals.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• fever
• hallucination
• hysteria