delirium
noun
- severe confusion that develops quickly, and often fluctuates in intensity, neurocognitive disorder
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /dɪˈlɪ.ɹi.əm/ / /dɪˈlɪɹ.i.əm/
noun
Etymology: Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *de Proto-Indo-European *-h₁ Proto-Indo-European *déh₁ Proto-Italic *dē Latin dē Latin dē- Proto-Indo-European *leys- Proto-Indo-European *lóyseh₂ Proto-Italic *loizā Latin līra Proto-Indo-European *-h₂ Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂ Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂yéti Proto-Italic *-āō Latin -ō Latin dēlīrō Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Italic *-ios Old Latin -ios Latin -ius Latin -ium Latin dēlīriumbor. English delirium Borrowed from Latin dēlīrium (“derangement, madness”).
- A temporary mental state with a sudden onset, usually reversible, including symptoms of confusion, inability to concentrate, disorientation, anxiety, and sometimes hallucinations. Causes can include dehydration, drug intoxication, and severe infection.
“The popular delirium [of the French Revolution] at first caught his enthusiastic mind.”
“Better to decay in absolute delirium, than to be the victim of the methodical unreason of ill-bestowed love.”
- Wild, frenzied excitement or ecstasy.