Skip to main content

bedlama scene of noisy confusion; chaos

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: a scene of noisy confusion; chaos

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbedləm/

Example Sentences

  • The office became bedlam when everyone heard about the surprise pizza party.
  • Shopping malls turn into bedlam during Black Friday sales.
  • My kitchen is pure bedlam whenever I try to cook for more than two people.

bedlam

NOUN

[/ˈbedləm/]

a scene of noisy confusion; chaos

The classroom turned into total bedlam when the teacher stepped out for a minute.
💡 Concept

The classroom turned into total bedlam when the teacher stepped out for a minute.

Lambs leap on beds - total bedlam chaos!
🧠 Mnemonic

Lambs leap on beds - total bedlam chaos!

At the helm, bedlam starts to overwhelm!
🎵 Rhyme

At the helm, bedlam starts to overwhelm!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈbedləm/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈbedləm/

🌳Etymology

Origin

From Bethlehem Royal Hospital, a medieval psychiatric hospital in London that became notorious for its chaotic conditions and poor treatment of patients. The name evolved into a generic term for any place of madness and confusion.

Breakdown

Bedlam = Bethlehem (the hospital name, corrupted in pronunciation) → became a common noun meaning 'chaotic place' or 'madhouse'

🎵Rhyme

helmrealmoverwhelm

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The office became bedlam when everyone heard about the surprise pizza party.

Shopping malls turn into bedlam during Black Friday sales.

😄 Fun example

My kitchen is pure bedlam whenever I try to cook for more than two people.

The stock market was bedlam after the unexpected announcement.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

chaosmayhempandemoniumturmoiluproar

Antonyms

orderpeacecalm

Related

confusiondisordercommotionhavoc

Want to master 19,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.