stir-crazy

[ stur-krey-zee ]

adjective

, Slang.

1. Informal. restless or frantic because of confinement, routine, etc.:

   I was stir-crazy after just two months of keeping house.

2. mentally ill because of long imprisonment.

stir-crazy

adjective

1. slang.
   mentally disturbed as a result of being in prison or otherwise confined

Other Words From

• stir-crazi·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stir-crazy¹

First recorded in 1935–40; stir ² + crazy

Example Sentences

Maggi and his wife bought the house in 2020, when they and their adult children were going stir-crazy amid the pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times

Maggi and his wife bought the house in 2020, when they and their adult children were going stir-crazy amid the pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2021 and 2022, American consumers, stir-crazy from COVID-19 lockdowns and armed with government relief checks, went on a spending spree, ordering furniture, sports equipment and other goods.

From Seattle Times

Ben had this idea, in order to stave off going stir-crazy and for us to be able to still connect musically with one another, why don’t we try this experimental telephone-style of writing.

From Seattle Times

Facing waves of stir-crazy pandemic-era park visitors, including many first-timers, rangers across the U.S. have been adding restrictions in a bid to fend off damage and overcrowding.

From Los Angeles Times