What does "derange" mean?
To cause (someone) to go insane or become deranged.
Derange
/diˈɹeɪnd͡ʒ/ verb
verb ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: To cause (someone) to go insane or become deranged.
- Grammar: derange is listed as verb.
- Nearest alternatives: afflict, bewilder, chaoses, clutter.
- Useful contrasts: arrange, calm, clarify.
- Usage evidence: Both these kinds of monopolies derange more or less the natural distribution of the stock of the society;
How to use "derange"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "derange" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "derange" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "derange" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "derange" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "derange" is acting as verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "afflict" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "derange", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Verb
- 1 To cause (someone) to go insane or become deranged. transitive
- 2 throw into great confusion or disorder wordnet
- 3 To cause disorder in (something); to distort from its ideal state. transitive
"Both these kinds of monopolies derange more or less the natural distribution of the stock of the society;"
- 4 derange mentally, throw out of mental balance; make insane wordnet
- 5 To cause to malfunction or become inoperative. transitive
"4-16. All lighting was cut off by a close detonation but was partially restored after a short while. Many auxiliary motors were short-circuited or deranged. There were at least nineteen cracked jars in the forward battery and one in the after battery, causing loss of electrolyte and full grounds. All of the electric alarm and telephone circuits were out of commission."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 To disrupt (somebody's) plans, to inconvenience; to derail. archaic
""By no means, Sir," answered the Captain: "I shall be quite au désespoir if I derange any body.""
Example
"Both these kinds of monopolies derange more or less the natural distribution of the stock of the society;"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "derange"?
Common synonyms include: afflict, bewilder, chaoses, clutter, complicate, confound.
How do you use "derange" in a sentence?
Both these kinds of monopolies derange more or less the natural distribution of the stock of the society;
How do you pronounce "derange"?
Pronounced /diˈɹeɪnd͡ʒ/.
Etymology
From French déranger, from Old French desrengier (“throw into disorder”), from des- + rengier (“to put into line”), from reng (“line, row”), from a Germanic source. See rank (noun).