dizzy

[ diz-ee ]

adjective

, diz·zi·er, diz·zi·est.

1. having a sensation of whirling and a tendency to fall; giddy; vertiginous.
2. bewildered; confused.
3. causing giddiness or confusion:

   a dizzy height.

4. heedless; thoughtless.
5. Informal. foolish; silly.

verb (used with object)

, diz·zied, diz·zy·ing.

1. to make dizzy.

dizzy

/ ˈdɪzɪ /

adjective

1. affected with a whirling or reeling sensation; giddy
2. mentally confused or bewildered
3. causing or tending to cause vertigo or bewilderment
4. informal.
   foolish or flighty

verb

1. tr to make dizzy

Derived Forms

• ˈdizzily, adverb
• ˈdizziness, noun

Other Words From

• dizzi·ly adverb
• dizzi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dizzy¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English dysy, Old English dysig “foolish”; cognate with Low German düsig “stupefied”

Word History and Origins

Origin of dizzy¹

Old English dysig silly; related to Old High German tusīg weak, Old Norse dos quiet

Example Sentences

“When I got home from tour, I had really wild dizzy spells, this feeling like I couldn’t breathe,” she said.

From Salon

This intense focus left her feeling “dizzy” and craving a more hands-on creative outlet.

From Los Angeles Times

After the first self-administered injection of what was told was semaglutide - diabetes medication which is illegal to sell without a prescription - she started vomiting and feeling dizzy and sick.

From BBC

Small-scale reductions in force might run into a dizzying array of civil service protections, but by going big those can be swept away, he says.

From New York Times

"Within a few sips I was starting to feel a bit groggy, but I can't describe it as drunk. It was a really dizzy and weird feeling. I wasn’t feeling right."

From BBC

Related Words

• dazed
• distracted
• dumb
• giddy
• groggy
• shaky
• wobbly
• woozy