View synonyms for insanity

insanity

[in-san-i-tee]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural

insanities

(not in technical use as a medical diagnosis) the condition of being insane; a derangement of the mind.
Synonyms: madness, lunacy, aberration, mania, craziness
Law., such unsoundness of mind as frees one from legal responsibility, as for committing a crime, or as signals one's lack of legal capacity, as for entering into a contractual agreement.
Psychiatry., (formerly) psychosis.
1. extreme foolishness.
  Trying to drive through that traffic would be pure insanity.
2. a foolish or senseless action, policy, statement, etc..
  We've heard decades of insanities in our political discourse.

insanity

/ ɪnˈsænɪtɪ /

noun

relatively permanent disorder of the mind; state or condition of being insane
law a defect of reason as a result of mental illness, such that a defendant does not know what he or she is doing or that it is wrong
utter folly; stupidity

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Word History and Origins

Origin of insanity¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin insānitāt-, stem of insānitās “unsoundness of mind, insanity”; in- ³, sanity

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

To take Bianchi’s schtick seriously was to believe an alter ego named “Steve Walker” had done the crimes, the basis for an insanity defense.

From Los Angeles Times

“This is due to an outstanding marker with a casino. Apparently if you have over $1,200 they can issue a warrant for your arrest. Absolute insanity!”

From Los Angeles Times

Osbourne developed an aggressive vocal wail that always seemed to be teetering on the precipice of insanity.

From BBC

Rather, he’s more interested in playing the spectator, studying and characterizing to deliver a portrait of insanity that feels irrefutably true, yet entirely empty.

From Salon

He described the levels of foreign nationals claiming UC as "absolute insanity" adding: "We cannot afford it. The country is BROKE."

From BBC

Related Words

insanitation insatiable

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