lunatic

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an insane person
  2. noun a reckless impetuous irresponsible person
  3. adjective insane and believed to be affected by the phases of the moon

Etymology

From Middle English lunatik, from Old French lunatique, from Late Latin lunaticus (“moonstruck”), derived from Latin luna (“moon”), the connection stemming from the belief that changes of the moon caused intermittent insanity.

In classic literature

Synonyms

madman, maniac

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