berserk
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /bərˈzɜrk/
KK: /bɜrˈzɜrk/
adjective
Definition
Describing someone or something that is extremely angry, wild, or out of control, often leading to violent behavior or intense enthusiasm.
Example
When he lost the game, he went berserk and started yelling.
Conversation
Did you see that guy at the game yesterday?
Yeah, he was going absolutely berserk when his team scored.
I thought he was going to break something!
Right? It was wild how everyone joined in on the berserk celebration.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
frenzied
wild
crazy
Antonyms
calm
controlled
sane
noun
Definition
A person who is extremely angry or out of control, often acting violently or recklessly.
Example
During the argument, he went berserk and started shouting.
Conversation
Did you see that guy at the concert go totally berserk?
Yeah, it was wild! He was jumping around like crazy.
I thought he might hurt someone with his berserk energy.
Root Explanation
Berserk originates from Old Norse 'berserkr', which is composed of 'ber' (meaning bear) and 'serkr' (meaning shirt). The term originally referred to warriors who fought with a frenzied rage, often wearing bear skins, hence the meaning of being in a wild or uncontrolled state.
Memory Tip
Imagine fierce warriors wearing bear skins ('ber' means bear) and fighting with wild rage ('serkr' means shirt) — that's how you remember that 'berserk' means to be in a frenzied or uncontrolled state.
Visually Confused Words
No commonly confused words.