derange

verb

de·​range di-ˈrānj How to pronounce derange (audio)
deranged; deranging

transitive verb

1
: to disturb the operation or functions of
deranged by even the slightest damage
2
: disarrange
hatless, with tie derangedG. W. Stonier
3
: to make mentally unsound
derangement noun

Examples of derange in a Sentence

being stranded at night on a lonely road would derange anyone the storage room had all been deranged by the earthquake, and it took hours to sort things out
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Guys like Andrew Weissman, deranged Jack Smith. Nicholas Riccardi, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025 Albie and Portia reunite at the airport, where Portia tells Albie that Jack was deranged, while Albie tells Portia that Lucia played him. Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 25 Feb. 2025 Frontman and principal songwriter Josh Todd looks deranged and unhinged. Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 11 Feb. 2025 It’s deranged to train or to work past your breaking point. Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 5 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for derange

Word History

Etymology

French déranger, from Old French desrengier, from des- de- + reng line, row — more at rank entry 1

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of derange was in 1769

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Derange.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derange. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

derange

verb
de·​range di-ˈrānj How to pronounce derange (audio)
deranged; deranging
1
: to put out of order : disarrange
hair deranged by the wind
2
often offensive : to make insane
derangement noun

More from Merriam-Webster on derange

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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