De*lir"i*um (?), n. [L., fr. delirare to rave, to wander in mind, prop., to go out of the furrow in plowing; de- + lira furrow, track; perh. akin to G. geleise track, rut, and E. last to endure.]
1. Med.
A state in which the thoughts, expressions, and actions are wild, irregular, and incoherent; mental aberration; a roving or wandering of the mind, -- usually dependent on a fever or some other disease, and so distinguished from mania, or madness.
2.
Strong excitement; wild enthusiasm; madness.
The popular delirium [of the French Revolution] at first caught his enthusiastic mind.
W. Irving.
The delirium of the preceding session (of Parliament).
Motley.
Delirium tremens (). [L., trembling delirium] Med., a violent delirium induced by the excessive and prolonged use of intoxicating liquors. -- Traumatic delirium Med., a variety of delirium following injury.
Syn. -- Insanity; frenzy; madness; derangement; aberration; mania; lunacy; fury. See Insanity.
© Webster 1913.