derange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "derange" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of disturbing the order or functioning of something, often in a mental or emotional context. Example: "The sudden news seemed to derange her thoughts, leaving her unable to focus on anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The small shops of the world are now only half supplied; if they once take to supplying themselves, the demand will be great.As far, therefore, as the producing power of America is concerned, we do not think its revival, even if it should occur very rapidly, would derange our market, or affect us except beneficially.

The Economist

Noah Webster, the lexicographer, gave his imprimatur to to appreciate (in value); to eventuate was popularised by Gouverneur Morris; and no less a hero than Washington is said to have launched to derange.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In innumerable smaller examples, a combination of glacial erosion and deposition so altered the landscape as to derange the drainage completely, resulting in the tens of thousands of lakes of Minnesota, Maine, and Alaska as well as Canada, Scandinavia, and northern Russia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

BZ or LSD may attack the nervous system and derange a victim's mental processes, causing, for example, hallucinations or psychotic thinking.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Andrei Tarkovsky's eerie 1979 masterpiece, "Stalker," the landscape called the Zona has the power to grant people's deepest wishes, but it can also derange those who traverse it.

The New Yorker

Marriage, in "Eat, Pray, Love," is a prison, destined to derange its female inmates.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Though engagement and detachment each has its characteristic hazards, it's clear that Mr Brooks aims to denounce the deranging engagement of those like Mr Krugman, whilst praising his own relatively Olympian mode of analysis.

The Economist

He could get five years for arranging his finances to conceal his payments to the agency.Revisiting SalemAmerican history is littered with examples of puritanism deranging the law, from the Salem witch trials onwards.

The Economist

"I suppose the tug of Lytton's influence deranges her a good deal," Woolf wrote.

Independent

This sordid emotional cataclysm surely goes some way toward explaining Rimbaud's desire for a new life: it's hard not to feel that, perhaps for the first time, he realized that deranging his and other people's senses could have serious and irreversible consequences.

The New Yorker

One of the most common criticisms of video games is that they can wrap those who play in enforced and occasionally deranging solitude.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "derange", consider its intensity. It often implies a significant disruption or disturbance, so ensure it fits the context appropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "derange" for minor inconveniences or slight disturbances. Reserve it for situations involving significant disorder or mental disruption to maintain the appropriate tone and impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "derange" is that of a transitive verb. It requires a direct object and is used to describe the action of disturbing or disrupting something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the verb "derange" is a useful and grammatically sound option for describing a state of disruption or mental instability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is generally used in neutral to formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Its meaning suggests a negative impact, and it should be reserved for instances of significant disturbance rather than minor inconveniences. While synonyms like "disrupt" or "disturb" may be suitable alternatives depending on the context, "derange" carries a particular weight that makes it appropriate for describing serious disruptions. Keep in mind it's more used in written context than spoken one.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disrupt

This alternative focuses on the interruption or disturbance of an existing order or arrangement.

disturb

This term emphasizes the act of interfering with someone's peace or mental state.

unbalance

This suggests a loss of equilibrium or stability, either physically or mentally.

disorder

This highlights the creation of chaos or lack of organization.

unsettle

Implies causing someone to feel anxious or uneasy.

perturb

This alternative suggests causing someone to be worried or anxious.

throw into confusion

Highlights the act of making something or someone confused and disorganized.

drive mad

This emphasizes the act of making someone insane.

make insane

A more direct way of saying to cause mental illness.

drive crazy

This phrase suggests causing someone to become irrational or erratic in their behavior.

FAQs

How is "derange" typically used in a sentence?

The verb "derange" is often used to describe something that disturbs the normal functioning of something, or someone's mental state. For example, "The unexpected news seemed to derange her thoughts."

What are some synonyms for "derange"?

Some alternatives for "derange" include "disrupt", "disturb", or "unbalance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "derange" or "disrupt" in formal writing?

While both "derange" and "disrupt" are valid, "disrupt" is generally more suitable for formal writing when referring to disturbances in systems or processes. "Derange" can sometimes carry a stronger connotation of mental disturbance.

Can "derange" be used in a positive context?

No, "derange" typically has negative connotations, implying disorder or mental instability. It's best to avoid using it in contexts where you intend to convey a positive sentiment.