# demented

/dɪˈmɛntɪd/ (US) · /dɪmˈɛntɪd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/demented
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

extremely strange, crazy, or violent. You use this to describe someone who has lost their mind or a plan that is very bad and dangerous.

For teachers: characterised by extreme mental disorder or irrationality; extremely cruel or violent. Often used to describe a person's mental state or a plan that is highly misguided.

## Examples

- He had a demented look in his eyes.
- The movie features a demented villain who plans to destroy the city for no reason.
- The critic argued that the artist's later works were a demented response to the political chaos of the era, reflecting a deep sense of despair and isolation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.