insanity
|in-san-i-ty|
C1
/ɪnˈsænəti/
mental illness
Etymology
Etymology Information
'insanity' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'insanitas,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'sanitas' meant 'health.'
Historical Evolution
'insanitas' transformed into the Old French word 'insanité,' and eventually became the modern English word 'insanity' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'lack of health,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'mental illness or madness.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state of being seriously mentally ill; madness.
His insanity was evident in his erratic behavior.
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Noun 2
extreme foolishness or irrationality.
The decision to invest all his savings in a single stock was sheer insanity.
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Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45