Definition

Noun: 1. A state of depression, low spirits, or melancholy: An old-fashioned or literary term for a feeling of deep sadness, despondency, or a fit of gloom. * Note: This word is now considered archaic or highly formal. In modern English, words like "depression," "melancholy," or "the blues" are more commonly used.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • After the disappointing news, she was afflicted by a fit of the megrims.
  • The old gentleman was prone to bouts of megrims, often staring out the window for hours.

Advanced Usage

• The term is typically used in a literary or historical context to describe a vague, sometimes capricious, state of low mood rather than a clinical condition.
• It often appears with words like "fit of," "bout of," or "attack of" (e.g., ).

Variants and Related Words

• Megrim (noun, archaic): This singular form can also refer to a whim, fancy, or a type of migraine headache, adding to the word's obsolete and specialized nature.

Synonyms

• The blues: A common informal synonym for a state of depression.
• Melancholy: A deep, pensive, and long-lasting sadness.
• Despondency: A state of low spirits caused by loss of hope or courage.
• Dejection: Sadness or depression typically from a setback.

Notes on Usage

• Important: "Megrims" is an archaic term. Using it in contemporary speech or writing will sound very old-fashioned or intentionally literary. The provided reference context correctly identifies its meaning as equivalent to "a state of depression" or "the blues."

Noun

1. a state of depression
   • he had a bad case of the blues