madhouse
Madhouse (noun) means (dated) An institution for people with severe mental illness. Example: “In Victorian novels, troubled characters were often threatened with the madhouse.”
How to use madhouse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishToday almost always used figuratively for a chaotic, hectic place — the older sense of an asylum is considered outdated and insensitive.
Avoid the literal "mental institution" sense in modern writing; it reads as dated and offensive. The figurative "chaotic place" sense is standard informal usage.
Word forms
madhouses plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
In Victorian novels, troubled characters were often threatened with the _____.
Etymology
A straightforward compound of mad and house.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for madhouse
See all rhymes for madhouse →Frequently asked questions
What does “madhouse” mean?
The word “madhouse” means (dated) An institution for people with severe mental illness. In plain terms, today almost always used figuratively for a chaotic, hectic place — the older sense of an asylum is considered outdated and insensitive.
How do you pronounce “madhouse”?
“Madhouse” is pronounced MAD-hows (/ˈmædˌhaʊs/ in IPA).
How do you use “madhouse” in a sentence?
Here is “madhouse” used in a sentence: “In Victorian novels, troubled characters were often threatened with the madhouse.”
What part of speech is “madhouse”?
“Madhouse” is a noun.
How many meanings does “madhouse” have?
“Madhouse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: (dated) An institution for people with severe mental illness.