Definition of Bedlam

1. Noun. A state of extreme confusion and disorder.

Exact synonyms: Chaos, Pandemonium, Topsy-turvydom, Topsy-turvyness
Generic synonyms: Confusion
Specialized synonyms: Balagan
Derivative terms: Chaotic, Topsy-turvy

2. Noun. Pejorative terms for an insane asylum.

Definition of Bedlam

1. n. A place appropriated to the confinement and care of the insane; a madhouse.

2. a. Belonging to, or fit for, a madhouse.

Definition of Bedlam

1. Noun. A place or situation of chaotic uproar, and where confusion prevails. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Bedlam

1. confusion [n -S] - See also: confusion

Medical Definition of Bedlam

1. 1. Pejorative colloquialism for a mental hospital or institution. 2. A place or scene of wild or riotous behaviour. 3. A disturbing uproar. Origin: corruption or contraction of St. Mary of Bethlehem Hospital in London (05 Mar 2000)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Bedlam

bedirtied
bedirties
bedirty
bedirtying
bedizen
bedizened
bedizening
bedizenment
bedizenments
bedizens
bedizzen
bedjacket
bedjackets
bedkey
bedkeys
bedlam (current term)
bedlamism
bedlamite
bedlamites
bedlamp
bedlamps
bedlams
bedlem
bedless
bedlessness
bedlight
bedlights
bedlike
bedlinen
bedlinens

Literary usage of Bedlam

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Reliques of Ancient English Poetry by Thomas Percy (1887)
"OLD TOM OF bedlam. MAD SONG THE FIRST. IT is worth attention, that the English have more songs and ballads on the subject of madness than any of their ..."

2. Remains, Historical and Literary, Connected with the Palatine Counties of by Chetham Society (1849)
"Dekker shows that bedlam was an exhibition before the Reformation. But let us meet At Bethlem monastery, As if we cnme to see the lunatics. ..."

3. A Pedlar's Pack of Ballads and Songs: With Illustrative Notes by William Hugh Logan, James Maidment (1869)
"It is there otherwise styled " New Mad Tom of bedlam," which would lead us to surmise that it was not the first of the name. Before Playford's time, songs, ..."

4. A Glossary: Or, Collection of Words, Phrases, Names, and Allusions to by Robert Nares (1859)
"As we have no account of Whetstone, the poet, being in bedlam, I should rather guess that ... Good Lord! how sharp you are, with being at bedlam yesterday! ..."

5. Old and New London: A Narrative of Its History, Its People, and Its Places by Walter Thornbury (1893)
"MODERN " bedlam", to which we now come in our progress over St. George's Fields, ... It is vulgarly styled " bedlam," by a corruption of " Bethlem," which ..."

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