# deranged

/dɪˈɹeɪndʒd/ (US) · /dɪɹˈeɪndʒd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deranged
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

unable to think or act in a normal or sensible way, often because of mental illness. It describes someone who is behaving in a wild or dangerous manner.

For teachers: mentally unbalanced or insane; exhibiting extremely irrational or disordered behavior. Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'become' or 'appear'.

## Examples

- The man looked deranged as he shouted at the empty street.
- After weeks of isolation in the wilderness, the survivor appeared slightly deranged to the rescue team.
- The antagonist's deranged laughter echoed through the halls, signaling to the audience that he had finally lost his grip on reality.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as a predicative or attributive adjective to describe a person's mental state or behavior.

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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.