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

Pop star Charli XCX has revealed how her parents drove her to raves where she was performing, at the age of just 15.

From BBC

Charli’s monologue referenced how she got started playing raves when she was 15 by telling her parents she had swim practice, “at 2 a.m. ... In a warehouse full of gays.”

From Los Angeles Times

Earlier this week, Stewart raved about the virtues of the film on “The Drew Barrymore Show” and said that her grandchildren liked the documentary.

From Los Angeles Times

Jones earned rave reviews in his early England days, with captain Jamie George lauding the "crazy energy" he was coaxing from their defence.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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