craze

UK: kreɪz | US: kreɪz

Definition

  1. n. a temporary popular enthusiasm or obsession

  2. vt. to make or become insane or wildly excited

Structure
craz <to break, shatter>e <verb/noun suffix>craz <to break, shatter>e <verb/noun suffix>
Etymology

The word craze originated in the 14th century, initially meaning "to shatter" or "to crush," derived from Old Norse krasa. By the 16th century, it evolved metaphorically to describe mental instability ("shattered mind") and later (19th century) shifted to denote a fleeting obsession or trend—capturing the idea of something intense but fragile.

Examples

  1. The new dance craze swept through the school in weeks.

  2. Social media often fuels short-lived crazes.

  3. The artist’s work crazed the critics with its bold style.

  4. In the 1920s, jazz became a national craze.

  5. The pottery glaze crazed beautifully after firing.