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delirium
noun
de·lir·i·um
di-ˈlir-ē-əm
1
: an acute (see acute sense 1a(2)) mental disturbance characterized by confused thinking and disrupted attention usually accompanied by disordered speech and hallucinations
2
: frenzied excitement
he would stride about his room in a delirium of joy—Thomas Wolfe
a crowd in a state of delirium
Synonyms
Examples of delirium in a Sentence
In her delirium, nothing she said made any sense.
shoppers running around in a delirium the day before Christmas
Recent Examples on the Web
Cue delirium from the Como fans in attendance, back in the Gewiss Stadium for the second night running.
—Emmet Gates, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024
No sweating; fast heartbeat; fainting or feeling faint; breathing quickly; confusion or delirium; loss of consciousness; and a high temperature.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 27 June 2024
The first part of Perry’s over-the-top thriller series features many unbelievable twists and turns throughout its eight episodes, but none match the absolute delirium of Rain’s arc.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024
Ping Pong seems to be saying that there’s something juvenile in watching two boys smack balls back and forth, but also that experiencing their joyous delirium is worth it.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 7 Aug. 2024
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Word History
Phrases Containing delirium
Dictionary Entries Near delirium
Cite this Entry
“Delirium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/delirium. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
delirium
noun
de·lir·i·um
di-ˈlir-ē-əm
1
: a mental disturbance marked by confusion, disturbed speech, and hallucinations
2
: wild excitement
Medical Definition
delirium
noun
de·lir·i·um
di-ˈlir-ē-əm
: an acute (see acute sense 2b(1)) mental disturbance characterized by confused thinking and disrupted attention usually accompanied by disordered speech and hallucinations
More from Merriam-Webster on delirium
Nglish: Translation of delirium for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of delirium for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about delirium
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