derangement
UK: dɪˈreɪndʒmənt | US: dɪˈreɪndʒmənt
n. 1. A state of mental disturbance or disorder; insanity.
n. 2. Disruption of the normal order or arrangement; disorganization.
derangement = de<reverse/remove> + range<arrange> + ment<noun suffix>
- de (Latin origin, meaning "reverse" or "remove")
- range (from Old French rengier, meaning "to arrange" or "put in order")
- ment (noun-forming suffix indicating an action or resulting state)
Etymology Origin:
Derived from French déranger ("to disturb"), the word combines de- (undoing) + ranger ("to arrange"). It originally described physical disarray but evolved to emphasize mental disorder in medical contexts by the 18th century. The logic reflects a literal "undoing of order," extending metaphorically to cognitive chaos.
The patient exhibited severe derangement, hallucinating and speaking incoherently.
The derangement of files made it impossible to locate the contract.
Sleep deprivation can lead to temporary mental derangement.
The political scandal caused a derangement in the administration's priorities.
His derangement was evident in his erratic behavior.