Definition

Having a serious mental illness or being unable to think clearly; often used to describe someone who is acting in a crazy or irrational way.

Example

The demented man wandered the streets, lost and confused.

Conversation

Did you hear about that movie with the demented villain?

Yeah, I heard it's really creepy and intense!

I can't believe how many people are saying it feels too demented for them.

Sometimes those kinds of movies really push the limits of what we can handle.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

**Demented** → It is formed from "de-" (meaning down or away) and "mentis" (meaning mind, from Latin). The word describes a state of being where the mind is away or not functioning properly.

Memory Tip

Think of 'de-' meaning down or away, and 'mentis' relating to the mind — this helps you remember that 'demented' refers to a state where the mind is not functioning correctly.

Visually Confused Words