Meaning

(medicine) 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..

Definitions by Sense

1. (medicine) 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.
2. Wild, frenzied excitement or ecstasy.

Example Sentences

The popular delirium [of the French Revolution] at first caught his enthusiastic mind.

Better to decay in absolute delirium, than to be the victim of the methodical unreason of ill-bestowed love.

The evening wore away, and the long grass was silvery with dew; the consequence was what might have been expected,—next day, he was laid up with a violent cold; and the fever soon ran so high, that delirium came on; and before three days were past, his life hung upon a thread.

the delirium of the preceding session (of Parliament)

Word Forms

• deliriums
• deliria

Synonyms for delirium

Related Words

When Should You Use Delirium?

Use delirium when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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