madden
/ˈmædən/
VERB
1. To make someone extremely angry
To cause someone to feel intense anger, irritation, or frustration, often to the point of losing emotional control.
1.1. Anger and intense irritation
Used when an action, behavior, or situation provokes strong anger, annoyance, or frustration in another person.
Synonyms
- anger
- aggravate
- annoy
- antagonize
- enrage
- exasperate
- incense
- infuriate
- irritate
- provoke
- vex
- outrage
- rile
- nettle
- peeve
- pique
- inflame
- upset
- rankle
Antonyms
Examples
- The constant interruptions during the important meeting began to madden the participants.
- The never-ending traffic jam started to madden the commuters stuck on the highway.
- His inability to solve the challenging puzzle began to madden him.
- The continuous disruptions in the quiet library began to madden the studious students.
- The persistent ringing of the phone began to madden the receptionist at the busy office.
Related Words
- anger
- aggravation
- annoyance
- exasperation
- frustration
- irritation
- indignation
- resentment
- rage
- provocation
VERB
2. To drive someone insane or mentally disturbed
To cause someone to lose their mental balance, become irrational, or experience extreme mental or emotional disturbance.
2.1. Mental disturbance and loss of reason
Used to describe something that drives a person toward irrationality, mental instability, or a state of extreme agitation.
Synonyms
Examples
- The prolonged isolation threatened to madden him.
- The relentless pressure of the situation seemed to madden everyone involved.