DELIRIUM
delirium
(noun) a usually brief state of excitement and mental confusion often accompanied by hallucinations
craze, delirium, frenzy, fury, hysteria
(noun) state of violent mental agitation
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
delirium (countable and uncountable, plural deliriums or deliria)
A temporary mental state with a sudden onset, usually reversible, including symptoms of confusion, inability to concentrate, disorientation, anxiety, and sometimes hallucinations. Causes can include dehydration, drug intoxication, and severe infection.
Source: Wiktionary
De*lir"i*um, n. Etym: [L., fr. delirare to rave, to wander in mind,
prop., to go out of the furrow in plowing; de- + lira furrow, track;
perh. akin to G. geleise track, rut, and E. last to endure.]
1. (Med.)
Definition: A state in which the thoughts, expressions, and actions are
wild, irregular, and incoherent; mental aberration; a roving or
wandering of the mind, -- usually dependent on a fever or some other
disease, and so distinguished from mania, or madness.
2. Strong excitement; wild enthusiasm; madness.
The popular delirium [of the French Revolution] at first caught his
enthusiastic mind. W. Irving.
The delirium of the preceding session (of Parliament). Motley.
Delirium tremens (. Etym: [L., trembling delirium] (Med.), a violent
delirium induced by the excessive and prolonged use of intoxicating
liquors.
– Traumatic delirium (Med.), a variety of delirium following
injury.
Syn.
– Insanity; frenzy; madness; derangement; aberration; mania;
lunacy; fury. See Insanity.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition