First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1craze
verb \ˈkrāz\
crazedcraz·ing
Definition of CRAZE
transitive verb
2
: to produce minute cracks on the surface or glaze of <crazed glass>
3
: to make insane or as if insane <crazed by pain and fear>
intransitive verb
2
: to become insane
3
: to develop a mesh of fine cracks
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Origin of CRAZE
Middle English crasen to crush, craze, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Swedish krasa to crush
2craze
noun
: something that is very popular for a period of time
Full Definition of CRAZE
1
: an exaggerated and often transient enthusiasm : mania <the latest craze in music>
2
: a crack in a surface or coating (as of glaze or enamel)
See craze defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of CRAZE
1812
Related to CRAZE
Synonym Discussion of CRAZE
fashion, style, mode, vogue, fad, rage, craze mean the usage accepted by those who want to be up-to-date. fashion is the most general term and applies to any way of dressing, behaving, writing, or performing that is favored at any one time or place <the current fashion>. style often implies a distinctive fashion adopted by people of taste <a media baron used to traveling in style>. mode suggests the fashion of the moment among those anxious to appear elegant and sophisticated <slim bodies are the mode at this resort>. vogue stresses the wide acceptance of a fashion <short skirts are back in vogue>. fad suggests caprice in taking up or in dropping a fashion <last year's fad is over>. rage and craze stress intense enthusiasm in adopting a fad <Cajun food was the rage nearly everywhere for a time> <crossword puzzles once seemed just a passing craze but have lasted>.
CRAZE Defined for Kids
craze
noun \ˈkrāz\
Definition of CRAZE for Kids
: something that is very popular for a short while
Medical Dictionary
craze
verb \ˈkrāz\
crazedcraz·ing
Medical Definition of CRAZE
transitive verb
: to make insane or as if insane <crazed by pain and fear>
intransitive verb
: to become insane
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