Delirium

Pronunciation

• RP enPR: dÄ­lĭʹrÄ­É™m, IPA: /dɪˈlɪɹɪəm/

Origin

From the Latin dēlīrium ("derangement”, “madness"), from dēlīrō ("I am deranged").

Full definition of delirium

Noun

1. 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.
• Washington IrvingThe popular delirium the French Revolution at first caught his enthusiastic mind.
• Motleythe delirium of the preceding session (of Parliament)

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