delirium

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   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.

2. 2
   noun

   a usually brief state of excitement and mental confusion often accompanied by hallucinations

3. 3
   noun

   state of violent mental agitation

4. 4
   noun

   Wild, frenzied excitement or ecstasy.

Borrowed from Latin dēlīrium (“derangement, madness”).

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