Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
lunatic
noun
/ˈluː.nə.tɪk/
Definition
A person who is mentally ill or behaves in a wildly foolish or eccentric manner.
Examples
- After his bizarre behavior, many began to call him a lunatic.
- The film features a lunatic who escapes from a mental institution.
- It’s unwise to label people as lunatics without understanding their struggles.
Meaning
The term ‘lunatic’ historically referred to someone who was believed to be affected by the phases of the moon, particularly regarding their mental state. Today, it is often used more broadly to describe someone whose actions are seen as irrational or extreme.
Synonyms
- maniac
- madman
- insane person
- fool
