Berserk
/bərˈsɜrk/noun
In a state of violent or frenzied rage.
Did you know?Berserkers were legendary Norse warriors who supposedly entered battle in a trance-like fury, often invoking the protection of animal spirits.
Etymological Timeline
Old Norse
Old Norse
berserkr
“bear-shirt, referring to warriors who wore bear pelts in battle.”
14th Century
Middle English
berserk
“frenzied state of rage or fury.”
Modern English
English
berserk
“to go into a wild, uncontrolled rage.”
19th Century
English
berserk
“adopted into English to describe uncontrolled violence or frenzy.”
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