Lunatic
/ˈluːnətɪk/noun
A person who is mentally ill or behaves extremely foolishly.
You would have to be a complete lunatic to try that dangerous stunt.
Often appears as...
- act like a lunatic
- complete lunatic
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Lunatic is often seen as offensive when referring to mental illness.
Referring to someone with a mental condition as a lunatic is insensitive.
Pro Tip 2/3Historical Term
Originally linked to 'luna' (moon), suggesting madness was tied to lunar phases.
In the past, people believed a lunatic's behavior changed with the moon.
Pro Tip 3/3Extreme Behavior
Used to emphasize very foolish or out-of-the-ordinary actions.
Climbing the fence into the lion's enclosure is lunatic behavior.
Compare with
balancecrazydementedderangedhingeinsanemadmaniacalpsychotic
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