# raving

/ˈɹeɪvɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹˈeɪvɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/raving
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

talking or acting in a wild, crazy, or very excited way. It is often used to describe someone who is shouting because they are angry or confused.

For teachers: behaving in a wild, delirious, or irrational manner; characterized by incoherent or frenzied speech. Often used as an intensifier before nouns like 'lunatic' or 'madman'.

## Examples

- He was acting like a raving lunatic in the street.
- The witness described a raving man who was shouting at passing cars during the storm.
- Despite his reputation as a brilliant scientist, his final years were marked by raving outbursts that alienated his closest colleagues and family members.

## Usage notes

- Often used as an intensifier before nouns related to madness or anger; frequently follows the verb 'to be' or 'to go'.

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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.