gold fever
Definition
Noun: 1. An intense and often irrational excitement or greed for gold, especially one that spreads among many people, as during a gold rush. This term describes a powerful, contagious enthusiasm for finding gold that can lead to obsessive behavior.
Usage
The term "gold fever" is used to describe a collective, overwhelming desire to acquire gold, typically triggered by the discovery of gold in a new area. It implies a loss of rational judgment and a single-minded pursuit of wealth. - The discovery of a nugget started a gold fever that brought thousands of prospectors to the region. - He was struck by gold fever and sold all his possessions to join the rush.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Sociological Context: The term is often used to analyze the social and economic impact of gold rushes, where "gold fever" led to rapid migration and boomtowns.
- Historians study how gold fever shaped the demographics of the American West.
Variants and Related Words
- Gold rush (n): A rapid influx of people to a site where gold has been discovered. While related, a "gold rush" is the event, whereas "gold fever" is the driving emotion.
- The California Gold Rush began in 1848.
Synonyms
- Craze: A widespread, temporary enthusiasm or fascination.
- Mania: An excessive enthusiasm or desire; a craze.
- Frenzy: A state of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior.
Related Idioms
- To catch gold fever: To become infected with this intense excitement.
- After hearing the stories, he caught gold fever and left his job.
Noun
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greed and the contagious excitement of a gold rush
