# madman

/ˈmædˌmæn/ (US) · /mˈædmən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

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

## Definition

someone who behaves in a very dangerous, wild, or foolish way. It is often used to describe someone who takes unnecessary risks or acts without thinking.

For teachers: a person who behaves in an extremely foolish, reckless, or irrational manner. While historically used to describe someone with a mental illness, modern usage typically focuses on dangerous or unpredictable behavior.

## Examples

- He drove like a madman through the narrow streets.
- The neighbors thought he was a madman for trying to build a three-story boat in his tiny backyard.
- History often remembers the visionary as a madman until their seemingly impossible theories are finally proven correct by the passage of time.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the simile 'like a madman' to describe intense or reckless activity.

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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.