bedlam Meaning & Definition
What Does Bedlam Mean?
As a noun, bedlam means A place or situation of chaotic uproar, and where confusion prevails. It can also mean An insane person; a lunatic; a madman.
Quick Facts About Bedlam
| Part of speech | noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈbɛdləm/ |
| Synonyms | pandemonium, sanatorium and topsy-turvydom |
| Plural | bedlams |
Bedlam Definition (Noun)
- A place or situation of chaotic uproar, and where confusion prevails.
- An insane person; a lunatic; a madman.
- A lunatic asylum; a madhouse.
Synonyms of Bedlam
Word Forms & Grammar
bedlam (countable and uncountable, plural bedlams)
Words That Rhyme With Bedlam
Origin of Bedlam
Origin 1: From Bedlam, alternative name of the English lunatic asylum, Bethlem Royal Hospital (royal hospital from 1375, mental hospital from 1403) (earlier St Mary of Bethlehem outside Bishopsgate, hospice in existence from 1329, priory established 1247), since used to mean “a place or situation of madness and chaos”. Bedlam as name of hospital attested 1450.
Origin 2: Phonologically, corruption of Bethlem, itself a corruption of Bethlehem (the Biblical town), from Ancient Greek Βηθλεέμ (Bēthleém) from Biblical Hebrew בֵּית לֶחֶם (bêṯ leḥem, literally “house of bread”).
Origin 3: However, also compare Spanish belén (“confusion, disorder; a place characteristic of such”).
Frequently Asked Questions About Bedlam
What part of speech is bedlam?
Bedlam is a noun.
What is another word for bedlam?
You can replace bedlam with words such as pandemonium, sanatorium and topsy-turvydom. See the full list of bedlam synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of bedlam?
The plural of bedlam is bedlams.