unreason

[ uhn-ree-zuhn ]

noun

1. inability or unwillingness to think or act rationally, reasonably, or sensibly; irrationality.
2. lack of reason or sanity; madness; confusion; disorder; chaos:

   a world torn by unreason.

verb (used with object)

1. to upset or disrupt the reason or sanity of:

   The devious plot soon unreasoned the general.

unreason

/ ʌnˈriːzən /

noun

1. irrationality or madness
2. something that lacks or is contrary to reason
3. lack of order; chaos

verb

1. tr to deprive of reason

Word History and Origins

Origin of unreason¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, unreason is from the Middle English word un-reson. See un- ¹, reason

Example Sentences

And what we are seeing now in our society, American society in particular, is a new age of unreason.

From Salon

Looking to the future: the Republican electorate is unfortunately telling us that they are in love not just with one man but with the politics of hate and unreason that he represents.

From Salon

They are the voices of reason against implacable unreason.

From Los Angeles Times

So my question is not “Is divorce reasonable?” but rather, “Are we susceptible to the unreason that triggered war once before?”

From Seattle Times

But nothing about politics is normal or rational these days, and victory over the forces of unreason and destruction is not guaranteed.

From Salon

Related Words

• agitation
• delirium
• excitement
• frenzy
• madness
• nervousness
• panic