bedlam — a 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.
Lambs leap on beds - total bedlam chaos!
Trapped behind a broken tram in a massive traffic jam, the frustrated drivers honked and created utter bedlam.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳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
📝Examples
“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.”
“The stock market was bedlam after the unexpected announcement.”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.