Lunatic
/ˈluː.nə.tɪk/noun
A person who is mentally ill or behaves in an uncontrolled manner.
Did you know?In ancient times, it was believed that the moon's phases influenced madness, tying mental health to lunar cycles.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
lunaticus
“Of the moon, moonstruck, or affected by the moon.”
Old French
Old French
lunatique
“Pertaining to the moon; affected by lunacy.”
Middle English
Middle English
lunatik
“Of or belonging to the moon; mad or crazy.”
Modern English
English
lunatic
“A person considered to be mentally ill, especially one whose condition is thought to be influenced by the moon.”