demented
What does "demented" mean?
The word "demented" describes someone who is suffering from a loss of cognitive function or, more commonly in casual speech, acting in a way that is utterly irrational, wild, or maniacal. The mental image is one of someone having "lost their mind," characterized by chaotic behavior or a complete departure from logic. In usage, it is often used hyperbolically to describe people who are extremely obsessed, angry, or behaving in a frenzied manner. While it has clinical roots related to dementia, it is frequently employed in everyday conversation to describe someone acting "crazy" or "unhinged," often in a way that is alarming or humorous to observers.
"demented" in conversation
Observing a chaotic pet
Look at the cat sprinting off the walls!
Look at the cat sprinting off the walls!
He’s acting absolutely demented tonight.
He’s acting absolutely demented tonight.
Used here to describe frantic, irrational animal behavior.
Discussing a difficult project
My boss wants this entire report done by midnight.
My boss wants this entire report done by midnight.
That is a demented request.
That is a demented request.
Used to describe a demand that feels unreasonable or insane.
"demented" in a sentence
The demented look in his eyes scared everyone at the party.
The demented look in his eyes scared everyone at the party.
She spent the entire afternoon in a demented rush to pack for her trip.
She spent the entire afternoon in a demented rush to pack for her trip.
The author’s latest novel explores the descent of a once-brilliant mind into a truly demented state.
The author’s latest novel explores the descent of a once-brilliant mind into a truly demented state.
