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

It appears the celebrity doppelganger craze is not yet over, with Saturday's event just the latest in a string of competitions across the country.

From BBC

But that hasn't put off the hundreds of men in the UK and US who have taken part in a recent craze for lookalike competitions.

From BBC

This uniqueness and verifiable ownership have driven the NFT craze, attracting collectors, investors and creators.

From Salon

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

From Salon

There’s also the crazed racket of “Motorbike Song” and the alluring ballad “Big Dreams,” written on acoustic guitar and matched in tone by a wistful music video directed by longtime collaborator John Angus Stewart.

From Los Angeles Times