craze
Craze (noun) means a brief but intense popular enthusiasm for something, a fad. Example: “The board game became a nationwide craze almost overnight.”
How to use craze
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short-lived, intense trend or fashion, or (of pottery/paint) to crack into a fine web pattern.
Word forms
crazed past tense, crazes plural, crazes singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The board game became a nationwide _____ almost overnight.
Etymology
From Middle English crasen, "to shatter or break apart," from Old Norse — the modern "fad" sense developed later, as if popular enthusiasm were a kind of mental crack.
Related words
Rhymes for craze
See all rhymes for craze →Frequently asked questions
What does “craze” mean?
The word “craze” means a brief but intense popular enthusiasm for something, a fad. In plain terms, a short-lived, intense trend or fashion, or (of pottery/paint) to crack into a fine web pattern.
How do you pronounce “craze”?
“Craze” is pronounced krayz (/kɹeɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “craze” in a sentence?
Here is “craze” used in a sentence: “The board game became a nationwide craze almost overnight.”
What part of speech is “craze”?
Depending on how it is used, “craze” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “craze” come from?
The word “craze” comes from Middle English. From Middle English crasen, "to shatter or break apart," from Old Norse — the modern "fad" sense developed later, as if popular enthusiasm were a kind of mental crack.
Is “craze” a common word?
“Craze” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “craze” have?
“Craze” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a brief but intense popular enthusiasm for something, a fad.