madding

[ mad-ing ]

adjective

1. acting madly or senselessly; insane; frenzied:

   a quiet place far from the madding crowd.

2. making mad:

   a madding grief.

madding

/ ˈmædɪŋ /

adjective

1. acting or behaving as if mad

   the madding crowd

2. making mad; maddening

Derived Forms

• ˈmaddingly, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of madding¹

1300–50; Middle English. See mad (v.), -ing ²

Example Sentences

This is a crowded sports market, even with the Sonics gone for a decade and a half, and standing out from the madding crowd isn’t easy.

From Seattle Times

It was exactly the madding crowd that Bobby wished would stay afar.

From Literature

The madding crowd functions differently on this volcanic island, with vistas so jaw-droppingly picturesque, they’re frequently punctuated by social media influencers and soon-to-be brides and grooms, along with their attendant photographers.

From New York Times

It is rugged and isolated, home to moose and certainly far from the madding crowd.

From Washington Post

The rich have also found ways to protect themselves from the rest of humanity – in fortified castles, on hillsides safely above smoke and sewage, in grand mansions far from the madding crowds.

From Salon

Related Words

• frantic