Rave
/reɪv/noun
To speak or behave in an excited, uncontrolled way; also to dance enthusiastically, especially at a party or event.
Did you know?The party sense of rave is modern, but the older verb was tied to furious, delirious behavior, and its history likely blends with a root meaning “to wander, roam, or go astray,” which is why the word feels so untamed.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*rebʰ-
“to move about, wander, or be restless”
Old French
OF
raver
“to rave, be mad, or act wildly”
Middle English
ME
raven
“to speak wildly; to be delirious or frenzied”
Late Middle English
ME
rave
“to talk or act in a wild, delirious, or impassioned way”
20th Century
English
rave
“an all-night dance party with loud electronic music”