insane

[ɪnˈseɪn]

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An insane person has lost touch with reality and can't think clearly.

You might hear someone say that a situation or movie was so crazy and unrealistic that it's almost as if they've gone insane - but that's not really what the word means. When we use "insane" to describe something, like a comedy film or a wild party, we're being somewhat dramatic and exaggerating for effect. But in a serious sense, someone who's truly insane is struggling with their mental health and might be experiencing severe anxiety, depression, paranoia, or even psychosis. This can affect how they think, feel, and behave on a daily basis.

How common is "insane"?

Word insane is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

adjective

Exhibiting unsoundness or disorder of mind; not sane; mad
Used by, or appropriated to, insane persons
Example: an insane asylum
Causing insanity or madness.
Characterized by insanity or the utmost folly; ridiculous; impractical
Example: an insane amount of money

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Real examples of "insane" in context

Tom Holland Confirms Spider-Man 4, Talks Hiding Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield Cameos and BERO

Interview

This is insane. You know what, we don't need the candy bar. We're going to walk away.

4:51

Leonardo DiCaprio on 'Wolf of Wall Street,' Jonah Hill, Shark Survival Story

Interview

It was just insane.

4:40

doing this insane sequence.