derange

[ dih-reynj ]

verb (used with object)

, de·ranged, de·rang·ing.

1. to throw into disorder; disarrange.
2. to disturb the condition, action, or function of.
3. to make insane.

derange

/ dɪˈreɪndʒ /

verb

1. to disturb the order or arrangement of; throw into disorder; disarrange
2. to disturb the action or operation of
3. to make insane; drive mad

Other Words From

• de·rangea·ble adjective
• de·ranger noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of derange¹

1770–80; < French déranger, Old French desrengier, equivalent to des- dis- ¹ + rengier; range

Word History and Origins

Origin of derange¹

C18: from Old French desrengier, from des- dis- ¹+ reng row, order

Example Sentences

After all, the original Surrealist movement, with its urge to systematically derange the senses, occurred in the wake of the First World War and its horrors.

From New York Times

He then took me into his laboratory and explained to me the uses of his various machines, instructing me as to what I ought to procure and promising me the use of his own when I should have advanced far enough in the science not to derange their mechanism.

From Literature

They recruit and derange their followers by dismissing all criticism as partisan.

From Slate

Tolentino explores these overheated environments and their incentives, and how they derange our sense of ourselves and our values.

From Washington Post

As a journalist from Le Point magazine put it: “Il dérange”– “It’s disturbing.”

From The Guardian

Related Words

• disconcert
• disorganize
• perplex
• unbalance