Dictionary

haywire

adverb or adjective hay·wire \-ˌwī(-ə)r\

: not working properly

Full Definition of HAYWIRE

1
:  being out of order or having gone wrong <the radio went haywire>
2
:  emotionally or mentally upset or out of control :  crazy <is going haywire with grief>
ADVERTISEMENT

Origin of HAYWIRE

from the use of baling wire for makeshift repairs
First Known Use: 1929
HAYWIRE Defined for Kids

haywire

adjective hay·wire \ˈhā-ˌwīr\

Definition of HAYWIRE for Kids

1
:  working badly or in an odd way <The TV went haywire.>
2
:  emotionally or mentally out of control :  crazy <After losing, she went haywire.>

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: hazPrevious Word in the Dictionary: hay–timeAll Words Near: haywire
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears