Unhinged Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ʌnˈhɪndʒd/

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Completely uncontrolled or uninhibited, often in a wild or violent manner; mentally unstable or deranged.

Examples

The politician’s unhinged speech sparked controversy.
The driver’s unhinged behavior on the road caused a commotion.

Synonyms

Unbridled
Frenzied
Unstable

Antonyms

Controlled
Calm

Additional Information

The term “unhinged” is often used to describe someone who is acting impulsively or erratically, without considering the consequences of their actions. This behavior can be a result of various factors, including mental health issues, substance abuse, or extreme emotions.

In modern language, “unhinged” is frequently used in informal contexts, such as social media or casual conversations, to express strong emotions or reactions.

Etymology

The word “unhinged” originated in the 14th century, derived from the Old English words “un-” (meaning “not” or “opposite of”) and “hinge”, referring to a joint or pivot. Initially, it meant “to unhinge” or “to disjoin”, but over time, its meaning evolved to describe something or someone that is out of control.

Usage Notes

When using “unhinged” to describe someone’s behavior, be cautious not to stigmatize mental health conditions. Instead, focus on the specific actions or reactions that are causing concern.

Cultural References

The term “unhinged” has been used in various movies, TV shows, and books to describe characters who are mentally unstable or prone to violent outbursts.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Go unhinged: to become completely out of control or lose one’s temper.
Unhinged reaction: an extreme or unpredictable response to a situation.

Related Words or Phrases

Manic
Hysterical
Out of control

Collocations

Unhinged behavior
Unhinged emotions
Unhinged personality

Frequency of Use

The term “unhinged” has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in online discourse and social media.

Common Misspellings

Unhingd
Unhingde
Unhingead