madden
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈmæd.ən/
KK: /ˈmæd.ən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become very angry or annoyed.
Example
He tends to madden easily when things don't go his way.
Tense Forms
Past: maddened
Past Participle: maddened
Conversation
I can't believe how the referee made that call; it really made me madden!
Right? Some of those decisions are just ridiculous.
Exactly! It’s frustrating when they don't see the obvious mistakes.
Totally, it drives everyone crazy when that happens.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
fume
rage
seethe
Antonyms
calm
soothe
pacify
transitive verb
Definition
To make someone very angry or to drive them to madness.
Example
The constant noise from the construction site began to madden the residents.
Tense Forms
Past: maddened
Past Participle: maddened
Conversation
I can't believe how my neighbor keeps playing loud music all night.
That would definitely madden me!
Right? It's so frustrating trying to sleep with all that noise.
Root Explanation
Madden → The word originates from the Old English 'mǣdan', meaning to make mad or to become angry. It describes the act of causing someone to become furious or enraged.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word 'mǣdan' which means to make someone angry — that's why madden means to cause someone to become mad.
Visually Confused Words
sadden
mudden
midden
maiden
hadden
addend
made