rave

¹

[ reyv ]

verb (used without object)

, raved, rav·ing.

1. to talk wildly, as in delirium.

   Synonyms: rhapsodize, gush, enthuse, storm, rant, rage, jabber, babble

2. to talk or write with extravagant enthusiasm:

   She raved about her trip to Europe.

3. (of wind, water, storms, etc.) to make a wild or furious sound; rage.

verb (used with object)

, raved, rav·ing.

1. to utter as if in madness.

noun

1. an act of raving.
2. an extravagantly enthusiastic appraisal or review of something.
3. a dance party featuring electronic dance music arranged by a disc jockey and a light show or other visual effects, and typically characterized by amphetamine and psychedelic drug use:

   They have these all-night raves in a field just outside the city limits.

4. British Informal. a boisterous party, especially a dance:

   We hung pretty party lights and invited everyone who lived in the building to our rooftop rave.

adjective

1. extravagantly flattering or enthusiastic:

   rave reviews of a new play.

rave

²

[ reyv ]

noun

1. a vertical sidepiece of a wagon or other vehicle.

rave

¹

/ reɪv /

verb

1. to utter (something) in a wild or incoherent manner, as when mad or delirious
2. intr to speak in an angry uncontrolled manner
3. intr (of the sea, wind, etc) to rage or roar
4. informal.
   intr; foll by over or about to write or speak (about) with great enthusiasm
5. slang.
   intr to enjoy oneself wildly or uninhibitedly

noun

1. informal.
   1. enthusiastic or extravagant praise
   2. ( as modifier )

      a rave review

2. slang.
   1. Also calledrave-up a party
   2. a professionally organized party for young people, with electronic dance music, sometimes held in a field or disused building
3. slang.
   a fad or fashion

   the latest rave

4. a name given to various types of dance music, such as techno, that feature fast electronic rhythm

rave

²

/ reɪv /

noun

1. a vertical sidepiece on a wagon

Other Words From

• raver noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of rave¹

First recorded in 1325–75; 1915–25 rave ¹fordef 2; 1960–65 rave ¹fordef 8; 1985–90 rave ¹fordef 7; Middle English verb raven, probably from Middle French resver “to wander, be delirious”; further origin uncertain

Origin of rave²

First recorded in 1520–30; origin obscure; probably an alteration of dialect rathe “rail or shaft on a cart”

Word History and Origins

Origin of rave¹

C14 raven , apparently from Old French resver to wander

Origin of rave²

C16: modification of dialect rathe , of uncertain origin

Idioms and Phrases

see rant and rave ; stark raving mad .

Example Sentences

Gold, who has been deconstructing his way through the Shakespeare canon, has delivered a “Romeo + Juliet” in the form of rave.

From Los Angeles Times

As Jamelle Bouie writes in the New York Times, “This brings us to the second thing you must keep in mind if you want to understand Trump. He may rant and he may rave, but his rantings and ravings aren’t static; they carry meaning, even if the signal is hard to find in the noise.”

From Salon

Sixteen-year-old Daniel Spargo-Mabbs from south London, died after taking ecstasy at an illegal rave in January 2014.

From BBC

They also commissioned a play for schools by writer Mark Wheeller, titled after Daniel's last words to Fiona as he left home to attend the rave.

From BBC

Colwill's recall to the senior squad comes as he has been receiving rave reviews during Cardiff's revival under interim boss Omer Riza this season.

From BBC

Related Words

• babble
• freak out
• fume
• go crazy
• rant