derange

/di'reindʤ/

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Explanation of the Word "Derange"

Definition: The verb "derange" means to throw someone or something into disorder or confusion. It can also refer to causing someone to become mentally unstable or insane.

Usage Instructions

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Pronunciation: /dɪˈreɪndʒ/

Examples

1. Basic Usage: "The loud noise from the construction site deranged my ability to concentrate on my studies."
2. Advanced Usage: "The political unrest in the country deranged the normal functioning of the government, leading to chaos and confusion."

Different Meanings

1. To Cause Confusion: In a general sense, deranging can apply to anything that disrupts order or normality.

   • Example: "The unexpected rainstorm deranged the outdoor wedding plans."

2. To Affect Mentally: When referring to mental health, it implies a serious disturbance in a person's mind.

   • Example: "The traumatic experience deranged her thoughts and made it hard for her to focus."

Word Variants

• Derangement (noun): The state of being deranged or disordered.
  • Example: "His derangement was evident in his erratic behavior."
• Deranged (adjective): Describing someone who is mentally unstable or confused.
  • Example: "The deranged man was wandering the streets, talking to himself."

Synonyms

• Disarrange: To mess up the order of something.
• Disorder: To disrupt the normal state or arrangement.
• Upset: To disturb the normal state or balance.
• Unbalance: To disturb the equilibrium or stability of something.
• Insane: When referring to mental instability.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly include "derange," but you can use phrases like:
  • "Throw into chaos": This means to cause a situation to become very disordered.
  • "Drive someone crazy": This means to cause someone to become very upset or confused.

Summary

"Derange" is a versatile verb used to describe the action of causing disorder or confusion, both in physical situations and mental health contexts.

Academic

Verb

1. throw into great confusion or disorder
   • Fundamental Islamicists threaten to perturb the social order in Algeria and Egypt
2. derange mentally, throw out of mental balance; make insane
   • The death of his parents unbalanced him

Synonyms

• perturb
• throw out of kilter
• unbalance