Unhinged meaning Meaning and Definition
Unhinged meaning
Pronunciation
/ˌʌnˈhɪndʒd/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
A term describing someone or something that has lost control, sanity, or reason; utterly mad, insane, or unruly.
Examples
1. “He was accused of being unhinged after the argument.”
2. “The company’s investments have been deemed unhinged and prone to risk.”
Synonyms
1. Insane
2. Mad
3. Unstable
Antonyms
1. Level-headed
2. Sensible
3. Rational
Etymology
The term ‘unhinged’ is derived from the Old English words ‘un-‘ (meaning ‘not’) and ‘hinged’ (meaning ‘attached’ or ‘hooked’). In modern English, the word implies a departure from balance, order, or rationality.
Additional Information
The concept of being ‘unhinged’ can originate from various sources, including psychological terms, idiomatic expressions, or emotional states. This term can be used to describe individuals, emotions, or situations that exceed bounds of normalcy, logic, or propriety.
Some notable examples of ‘unhinged’ behavior include physical outbursts, mental instability, or reckless actions that defy reason and consequence.
However, the term ‘unhinged’ can sometimes be used in a manner that blurs the line between true mental instability and erratic behavior that may not rise to the level of insanity.
Regardless of its usage, the term ‘unhinged’ is often used to convey a sense of alarm, concern, or warning regarding another person or situation that is deemed a threat to their own mental well-being or stability.
For instance, in social media, where individuals can leave their personal boundaries and limits unchecked, the term ‘unhinged’ can be applied to ranters or passive-aggressive commenters who start to lose sight of propriety.
In the business world, ‘unhinged’ can refer to companies or investors who are excessively zealous or recklessly optimistic about potential opportunities or returns on investment, taking unallowable risks.
Therefore, being ‘unhinged’ is often synonymous with, if not outright the definition of, mental or emotional unbalance, indicating behavior which calls for immediate attention, concern, or change.
Usage Notes
The term ‘unhinged’ can be used in various contexts, including:
– when referring to individuals who exhibit irrational behavior, such as intense emotional outbursts or physical altercations.
– to describe situations or circumstances that are perceived as highly precarious, highly volatile, or highly unstable.
– in discussions related to mental or emotional health, to indicate individuals exhibiting acute signs of detachment from reality.
When using the term ‘unhinged’ ensure you possess evidence of the subject or situation’s emotional or mental instability.
There’s a fine line between unruly behavior and out-and-out insanity; as such, think about who and what you’re calling ‘unhinged’ within your narrative, particularly in order to utilize ‘unhinged’ appropriately within given contexts.
Cultural References
The term ‘unhinged’ has been used in popular culture in various ways, such as:
– In the TV show “The West Wing,” a character accuses his opponent of being “unhinged” due to negative campaigning.
– In a popular video game, a player laments that the other player is being “unhinged,” as in they began rapidly and rashly acting aggressively.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions that utilize the word ‘unhinged’ include:
– “unhinged from reality” (pointing out that the person is detached from objective reality)
– “unhinged at the hip” (synonym for ‘unhinged’, meaning completely out of control)
– “drive someone unhinged” (act towards making others lose their mind)
Collocations
Various word combinations that often pair well with ‘unhinged’ are:
– Unhinged and furious
– Unhinged outburst
– Unhinged reaction
Frequency of Use
The word ‘unhinged’ is frequently used in contemporary language, particularly in contexts involving commentary, psychology, or unrefined discourse.
The term gained significant traction in everyday vocabulary about a decade ago, largely in relation to references in media.
Across multiple industries and social media platforms, this term has been notably used as way to call into question whether an individual or situation was reasonable.
Common Misspellings and Variations
Common misspellings or misuses of ‘unhinged’ include:
– Unhinked (more likely a made-up variant, doesn’t make much sense)
– Unhealthy (no logical link to the ‘lost their mind’
– Unseen (another similar variation which implies a lack of visibility)