derange

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to disturb the order, arrangement, or normal operation of something; formal

   A sudden voltage surge can derange the control system.

2. 2
   verb

   to cause severe mental disturbance; dated and potentially stigmatizing

   Older accounts claimed that isolation could derange a person's mind.

From French deranger, earlier desrengier 'to throw into disorder,' formed from des- 'apart, away' + rengier 'to put in a row,' from reng 'row, rank.' The mental sense arose from the broader idea of putting something out of order.

Topics