Definition

Noun: 1. A Norse warrior fighting with frenzied, uncontrollable fury: A berserker was a type of warrior in ancient Norse legend and history who was said to enter a trance-like state of battle frenzy (berserkergang). In this state, they would fight with reckless savagery, ignoring wounds, and exhibiting superhuman strength and a terrifying lack of fear or restraint.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sagas describe the berserker as howling like a beast and biting his shield before charging into battle.
  • In the heat of the conflict, he fought like a berserker, single-handedly holding the line against the enemy.
  • The term "going berserk" originates from the legendary fury of the Norse berserker.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical/Modern Usage: In contemporary language, "berserker" is often used metaphorically to describe anyone who acts with wild, uncontrolled, and destructive aggression or energy.
  • After the unfair call, the coach went on a berserker rant at the referees.
  • The stock market sometimes behaves like a berserker, with prices swinging violently.

Variants and Related Words

• Berserk (adjective): In a state of wild, frenzied, or violently destructive behavior. This is the most common derivative.
  • He went berserk when he discovered the theft.
• Berserkergang (noun, historical): The state of frenzy or trance entered into by a berserker.

Synonyms

• Fury: Refers to wild, violent anger, but lacks the specific warrior connotation.
• Maniac: Suggests wildly violent or frenzied behavior, often due to madness.
• Wildman: Implies a person behaving in a primitive, savage, or unrestrained manner.

Idioms and Phrases

• To go berserk: This is the primary idiom derived from the word. It means to become extremely and uncontrollably angry or violent; to fly into a wild rage.
  • If you scratch his car, he'll go berserk.
  • The crowd went berserk when their team scored the winning goal.

Noun

1. one of the ancient Norse warriors legendary for working themselves into a frenzy before a battle and fighting with reckless savagery and insane fury