delirium

noun

de·​lir·​i·​um di-ˈlir-ē-əm How to pronounce delirium (audio)
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 joyThomas Wolfe
a crowd in a state of delirium

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for delirium 

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from delirare to be crazy, literally, to leave the furrow (in plowing), from de- + lira furrow — more at learn

First Known Use

circa 1563, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of delirium was circa 1563

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 How to pronounce delirium (audio)
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 How to pronounce delirium (audio)
: 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

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