craze

[ kreyz ]

verb (used with object)

, crazed, craz·ing.

1. to derange or impair the mind of; make insane:

   He was crazed by jealousy.

2. to make small cracks on the surface of (a ceramic glaze, paint, or the like); crackle.
3. British Dialect. to crack.
4. Archaic. to weaken; impair:

   to craze one's health.

5. Obsolete. to break; shatter.

verb (used without object)

, crazed, craz·ing.

1. to become insane; go mad.
2. to become minutely cracked, as a ceramic glaze; crackle.
3. Metallurgy.
   1. (of a case-hardened object) to develop reticulated surface markings; worm.
   2. (of an ingot) to develop an alligator skin as a result of being teemed into an old and worn mold.
4. Archaic. to fall to pieces; break.

noun

1. a popular or widespread fad, fashion, etc.; mania:

   the newest dance craze.

   Synonyms: mode, vogue

2. insanity; an insane condition.
3. a minute crack or pattern of cracks in the glaze of a ceramic object.
4. Obsolete. flaw; defect.

craze

/ kreɪz /

noun

1. a short-lived current fashion
2. a wild or exaggerated enthusiasm

   a craze for chestnuts

3. mental disturbance; insanity

verb

1. to make or become mad
2. ceramics metallurgy to develop or cause to develop a fine network of cracks
3. archaic.
   tr to break
4. archaic.
   tr to weaken

Word History and Origins

Origin of craze¹

1325–75; Middle English crasen to crush < Scandinavian; compare Swedish, Norwegian krasa to shatter, crush

Word History and Origins

Origin of craze¹

C14 (in the sense: to break, shatter): probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Swedish krasa to shatter, ultimately of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Shares in AI companies have powered a huge runup in the stock market this year, but users are beginning to question whether the craze will fall flat.

From Los Angeles Times

If you haven't been caught up in the craze, matcha is a powdered version of green tea.

From Salon

“It’s not like we’re just sending 12 to the store so that there’s this craze and nobody gets what they want,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Shares in AI companies have powered a huge runup in the stock market this year, but users are beginning to question whether the craze will fall flat.

From Los Angeles Times

It took a series of clutch hits, some dazzling defense, a gutsy pitching performance from a 20-year-old phenom who spawned the “Fernandomania” craze that spring, a stout start from a veteran left-hander and a deep reservoir of resilience for those Dodgers to avenge World Series losses to the Yankees in 1977 and 1978.

From Los Angeles Times