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

Chaos, confusion and delirium for Arsenal supporters.

From BBC

Freddie Freeman made a winner out of Treinen and all the Dodgers on Friday, blasting the first walk-off grand slam in the 121-year history of the World Series, sending a city into delirium and prompting instant mashups of the Gibson and Freeman home runs.

From Los Angeles Times

Schillaci and Baggio both scored in a 2-0 win and were soon hailed as a dream ticket, the headline on the front of Gazzetta Dello Sport reading: "Italy in delirium with Schillaci and Baggio. How beautiful you are."

From BBC

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

Related Words

• fever
• hallucination
• hysteria