madden
UK: ˈmædən | US: ˈmædən
vt. to make someone extremely angry or frustrated
vt. to infuriate or provoke to madness (archaic/literary)
adj. (rare) characteristic of madness (obsolete usage)
madden = mad<angry/insane> + en<verb-forming suffix>
- mad: From Old English gemǣdd ("out of one's mind"), Proto-Germanic gamaidaz ("changed for the worse"), related to metan ("to measure"). Originally implied a loss of rational "measure."
- en: A verb-forming suffix from Old English -nian, used to convert adjectives/nouns into verbs (e.g., "darken," "strengthen").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to the Old English concept of madness as a deviation from rationality ("measure"). The addition of -en in Middle English (14th c.) transformed the adjective mad into a verb, emphasizing the action of causing anger or insanity. Historically used in contexts of literal insanity (e.g., "maddening spirits"), it later narrowed to describe intense anger.
The constant noise began to madden the sleep-deprived students.
His arrogant remarks would madden even the most patient listener.
The team's repeated failures maddened their coach.
In Shakespeare's era, "madden" often described literal descent into insanity.
Poor customer service can madden otherwise calm individuals.