bedlam

American  

[bed-luhm] / ˈbɛd ləm /

noun

1. a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion.

   Synonyms:

   pandemonium, commotion, turmoil, clamor, chaos, tumult, disorder

2. Archaic. an insane asylum or madhouse.

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bedlam British  

/ ˈbɛdləm /

noun

1. a noisy confused place or situation; state of uproar

   his speech caused bedlam

2. archaic a lunatic asylum; madhouse

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Etymology

Origin of bedlam

A popular name for the Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem in London, which served as a lunatic asylum from circa 1400; compare Middle English Bedleem, Bethleem, Old English Betleem Bethlehem

Explanation

Bedlam is a scene of madness, chaos or great confusion. If you allow football fans onto the field after the big game, it will be pure bedlam. The term bedlam comes from the name of a hospital in London, “Saint Mary of Bethlehem,” which was devoted to treating the mentally ill in the 1400s. Over time, the pronunciation of “Bethlehem” morphed into bedlam and the term came to be applied to any situation where pandemonium prevails. The trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange appears to be bedlam, but the traders insist it’s organized chaos.

Example Sentences

At some point, bedlam just becomes background noise that never stops.

From Barron's • Jan. 23, 2026

For a film that’s ostensibly about the picture-perfect joys of a family Christmas, this looks more like holiday bedlam than bliss.

From Salon • Oct. 15, 2025

The bet, however, is that the bedlam that happens in a kitchen makes for high, irresistible drama.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2025

When the ball clanged off the bright yellow pole, Judge raised his right hand toward the sky and tossed his bat to the ground, as bedlam erupted all around him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

As might be expected, throwing open the doors of any school to every freshman in Chicago threatened to create bedlam.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt