bedlam

[ bed-luhm ]
/ ˈbɛd ləm /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR bedlam ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a scene or state of wild uproar and confusion.
Archaic. an insane asylum or madhouse.

Origin of bedlam

a popular name for the Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem in London, which served as a lunatic asylum from circa 1400; compare Middle English Bedleem, Bethleem, Old English Betleem Bethlehem

Words nearby bedlam

bedframe, bedight, bedim, bedivere, bedizen, bedlam, bedlamer, bedlamite, bedlamp, bedlight, bedlington

Words related to bedlam

turmoil, din, disquietude, confusion, commotion, chaos, pandemonium, uproar, hubbub, noise, maelstrom, madhouse, tumult, racket, furor, clamor, disquiet, shambles

Example sentences from the Web for bedlam

British Dictionary definitions for bedlam

bedlam
/ (ˈbɛdləm) /

noun

a noisy confused place or situation; state of uproar his speech caused bedlam
archaic a lunatic asylum; madhouse

Word Origin for bedlam

C13 bedlem, bethlem, after the Hospital of St Mary of Bethlehem in London