Word of the Day, October 28: ‘Unhinged’

Word of the Day: UNHINGED

Pronunciation: UK /ʌnˈhɪndʒd/
US /ʌnˈhɪndʒd/

Meaning

Unhinged is an adjective that describes someone who appears emotionally disturbed, irrational or unable to control their behaviour. It can also refer to actions, ideas or situations that seem extreme or chaotic.

The word has a literal meaning, too. An unhinged door or gate is one that has come off its hinges.

Examples in daily use

• His unhinged reaction to a minor criticism left everyone uncomfortable.
• The film follows an unhinged villain whose plans become increasingly dangerous.
• The comedian's unhinged performance had the audience laughing throughout.
• What began as a friendly debate turned into an unhinged argument.

Origin and history

Unhinged comes from the verb unhinge, which originally meant to remove a door from its hinges. The verb began to be used figuratively for disturbing or disorienting the mind during the 17th century. By the early 18th century, unhinged was being used to describe a state of confusion or mental disturbance.

Also Read: Word of the Day, October 27: ‘Tatterdemalion’ 

Cultural significance and modern usage

In everyday conversation, unhinged can describe anything from an angry outburst to an outrageous social media post. It is also common in entertainment writing, where it may be used for unpredictable characters, dark comedy or performances that are deliberately over the top.

The word's tone depends on the context. Calling a fictional character unhinged can suggest that they are frightening or fascinatingly unpredictable. Applying it to a real person, however, can sound insulting or dismissive, particularly when it implies a mental health condition.

Interesting facts

It has a physical and a figurative meaning. A door can be unhinged literally, while a person's behaviour can be described as unhinged figuratively.

It is related to the verb unhinge. Something that unhinges a person unsettles them or disrupts their emotional balance.

It can be used positively or negatively in informal speech. An unhinged comedy sketch might be wildly funny, while an unhinged outburst suggests behaviour that has gone too far.

Examples from literature

• “The tragedy that must have unhinged him, people said.” — The Automobile Girls Along the Hudson by Laura Dent Crane.
• “A great blow was falling on him, which unhinged him more than any difficulties or defeats had yet done.” — A History of England, Period III by the Reverend J. Franck Bright.

Synonyms

• Unstable
• Irrational
• Erratic
• Disturbed
• Deranged
• Uncontrolled
• Frantic

Antonyms

• Composed
• Calm
• Rational
• Balanced

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