noun

lunatic

lunatic, crazy person, maniac

He drives like a lunatic.

He drives like a lunatic.

Only a lunatic would attempt that.

Only a lunatic would attempt that.

a/the lunatic a person who behaves in a crazy or dangerous way He was shouting like a lunatic.

Synonyms: madman, maniac, psycho (Note: these can be informal and offensive)

From Latin 'lunaticus' (moon-struck), from 'luna' (moon). It was once believed that madness was caused by the phases of the moon.

Picture someone acting crazily under a full moon ('luna') to remember the word.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.