berserk
UK: bəˈsɜːk | US: bərˈsɜːrk
adj. 1. (of a person or behavior) wildly frenzied or violent; uncontrollably aggressive.
n. 2. (historical) a Norse warrior fighting with frenzied rage in battle.
The term originates from Old Norse "berserkr," describing Viking warriors who fought in a trance-like fury, often wearing bear pelts (hence "bear-shirt"). Over time, it evolved into English to describe uncontrollable rage or madness, retaining its connection to primal aggression.
The crowd went berserk when their team scored the winning goal.
He turned berserk after hearing the bad news, smashing everything in sight.
Historical sagas describe berserkers as fearless warriors.
The storm’s berserk winds uprooted trees and damaged houses.
She laughed berserkly, unnerving everyone around her.