Berserk

Pronunciation

• IPA: /bəˈzɜː(ɹ)k/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)k

Alternative forms

• beserk
• berzerk
• beresque – humorous misspelling now accepted (Australian)

Origin

Old Norse berserkr (Icelandic berserkur), probably from bjǫrn ("bear") + serkr ("coat"). Compare sark.

Full definition of berserk

Noun

1. A crazed Norse warrior who fought in a frenzy.

Adjective

1. Injuriously, maniacally, or furiously violent or out of control.
• After he watched his sister stabbed to death, he went berserk and attacked the killer like a beast or a wild animal.

Derived terms

• berserker