delirium

n. [ L., fr. delirare to rave, to wander in mind, prop., to go out of the furrow in plowing; de- + lira furrow, track; perh. akin to G. geleise track, rut, and E. last to endure. ] 1. (Med.) A state in which the thoughts, expressions, and actions are wild, irregular, and incoherent; mental aberration; a roving or wandering of the mind, -- usually dependent on a fever or some other disease, and so distinguished from mania, or madness. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Strong excitement; wild enthusiasm; madness. [ 1913 Webster ]

The popular delirium [ of the French Revolution ] at first caught his enthusiastic mind. W. Irving. [ 1913 Webster ]

The delirium of the preceding session (of Parliament). Morley. [ 1913 Webster ]

Delirium tremens [ L., trembling delirium ] (Med.), a violent delirium induced by the excessive and prolonged use of intoxicating liquors. --
Traumatic delirium (Med.), a variety of delirium following injury.

Syn. -- Insanity; frenzy; madness; derangement; aberration; mania; lunacy; fury. See Insanity. [ 1913 Webster ]