English vocabulary · C1
Delirium
/dɪˈlɪr.i.əm/ · n.
A confused state of mind. Reality feels lost and strange.
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Example sentences
- He was in delirium for three days.
- Her delirium broke when the fever dropped.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- de — off (from Latin)
- lira — track (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- CONFUSION (thoughts are disordered and unclear)
- FRENZY (excitement becomes uncontrollable)
- HYSTERIA (emotions overwhelm rational thought)
Lesson notes
Delirium. It means a confused state of mind. Reality feels lost and strange.
Similar words are confusion, frenzy, and hysteria. Use delirium when the mind loses reality.
He was in delirium for three days. Her delirium broke when the fever dropped.
From Latin. De means off. Lira means track. Off the track: that is delirium.