insanity
UK: ɪnˈsænəti | US: ɪnˈsænəti
n. the state of being seriously mentally ill; madness
n. extreme foolishness or irrationality
insanity = in<not> + san<healthy> + ity<noun suffix>
- in (Latin prefix meaning "not")
- san (from Latin sanus, meaning "healthy" or "sound")
- ity (noun-forming suffix indicating a state or condition)
Etymology Origin:
The word "insanity" traces back to Latin insanitas, combining in- (negation) + sanus (healthy). Originally, it referred to a lack of mental or physical health, but over time, it narrowed to describe severe mental derangement. The suffix -ity formalized it as a noun denoting a state of being. The logic is clear: "not healthy (mind)" → "madness."
The defendant pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.
His reckless spending bordered on financial insanity.
The chaos of the city drove her to the brink of insanity.
Some argue that repeating the same mistake is a form of insanity.
The artist’s work was misunderstood as a product of insanity.