WordGarden.iodemented
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /dɪmˈɛntɪd/
US
- /dɪˈmɛntɪd/
Meanings
Adjective
extremely bizarre, twisted, or wildly irrational
having dementia or severe mental decline; often offensive or ableist when used of a person
Beyond the definition
To say someone is "demented" is to describe severe mental disturbance—thinking and behavior that seem irrational, disconnected from reality, and hard to trust as reliable. It has medical roots in old psychiatric language, but today it is often used more loosely to mean chaotic, frightening, or wildly disturbed behavior. You might use it for a scene that feels off-kilter or a character who appears dangerous and unstable. Still, it can be sensitive when used about real mental health conditions, so it should be used with care.
The word "demented" carries a heavy history and a strong emotional tone. It originally referred to a severe loss of mental faculties, especially in older medical descriptions of conditions tied to age and brain decline.
In everyday language, it is now also used more loosely for behavior that is wildly irrational, chaotic, or disturbing. Think of a villain in a dark novel whose actions make no sense and seem wildly destructive; calling that demented can help paint a scene as dangerously off-balance.
Historically, older clinical use of the word has largely been replaced by more specific terms such as dementia. For that reason, most modern usage is figurative and should be handled carefully.
If a situation feels shocking, irrational, and deeply unsettling, "demented" can capture that feeling in one strong word. But keep it in mind: it is a sharp, emotional term and can be hurtful if used as a casual label for someone with a mental health diagnosis.
Examples
- 1
Villainy
The villain gave a demented laugh as the door slowly closed behind him.
- 2
Wild idea
She had some demented idea about cycling across the country in three days.
- Usagesome demented idea
a wildly crazy idea, often used informally
- 3
Film tone
The film starts like a normal comedy and then turns into something much more demented.
- 4
Crowd energy
By the end of the tour, the crowd had built up a demented energy that felt ready to explode.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- dementedadjective