craze
UK[kreɪz]US[kreɪz]
n
a temporary period of intense enthusiasm for something, especially a particular activity or object.
v
to make someone become extremely excited, irrational, or insane.
Etymology
the word 'craze' originates from the middle english 'crasen', which meant to shatter or break into pieces. this verb is thought to be of scandinavian origin, related to the old norse 'krasa', meaning 'to shatter'. the semantic evolution is vivid: from the literal sense of an object cracking, it extended metaphorically to describe the mind 'cracking' under pressure or excitement, leading to the modern meanings of a temporary, intense enthusiasm or a state of madness. this journey from physical fracture to mental or social frenzy illustrates a classic path of metaphorical extension in language.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is derived from the middle english 'crasen', meaning 'to shatter' or 'to crack'.
Examples
the new dance move started a craze that swept through the school.
the constant stress and noise began to craze the isolated prisoner.
the smartphone game became a global craze almost overnight.