madman

word

/ˈmædˌmæn/
MAD-man
/mˈædmən/
MAD-muhn

Definition

A madman is a man who acts in a crazy, unpredictable, or dangerously irrational way. It can refer both to someone who is mentally ill or to a person acting wild or reckless.

Usage & Nuances

'Madman' can be serious (referring to mental illness) or casual (meaning wild/crazy person). Using it about a real, mentally ill person can be offensive. Common in phrases like 'like a madman' to mean with great energy or recklessness. Mostly refers to men.

Example Sentences

They called him a madman, but his plan worked.

basic

He worked like a madman to finish the project on time.

natural

Don’t drive like a madman; it’s dangerous!

natural

He laughed like a madman when he heard the joke.

natural

The madman shouted at everyone on the street.

basic

People thought he was a madman because of his strange ideas.

basic