delirium

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)A temporary mental state with a sudden onset, usually reversible, including symptoms of confusion, inability to concentrate, disorientation, anxiety, and sometimes hallucinations. Causes can include dehydration, drug intoxication, and severe infection.

   “The popular delirium [of the French Revolution] at first caught his enthusiastic mind.”

   “Better to decay in absolute delirium, than to be the victim of the methodical unreason of ill-bestowed love.”

   “The evening wore away, and the long grass was silvery with dew; the consequence was what might have been expected,—next day, he was laid up with a violent cold; and the fever soon ran so high, that delirium came on; and before three days were past, his life hung upon a thread.”

   “the delirium of the preceding session (of Parliament)”

2. (countable, uncountable)Wild, frenzied excitement or ecstasy.