lunatic

[ loo-nuh-tik ]

noun

1. (no longer in technical use; now considered offensive) an insane person.
2. a person whose actions and manner are marked by extreme eccentricity or recklessness.
3. a person legally declared to be of unsound mind and who therefore is not held capable or responsible before the law: a former legal term.

adjective

1. (no longer in technical use; now considered offensive) insane.
2. characteristic or suggestive of lunacy; wildly or recklessly foolish.
3. Older Use. designated for or used by the insane:

   a lunatic asylum.

4. gaily or lightheartedly mad, frivolous, eccentric, etc.:

   She has a lunatic charm that is quite engaging.

lunatic

/ ˈluːnətɪk /

adjective

1. an archaic word for insane
2. foolish; eccentric; crazy

noun

1. a person who is insane

Derived Forms

• luˈnatically, adverb

Other Words From

• lu·nati·cal·ly adverb
• half-luna·tic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lunatic¹

1250–1300; Middle English lunatik, from Old French lunatique, from Late Latin lūnāticus “moonstruck.” See Luna, -tic ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of lunatic¹

C13 (adj) via Old French from Late Latin lūnāticus crazy, moonstruck, from Latin lūna moon

Related Words

• crazed
• cuckoo
• maniacal