lunatic

Definition

An insane person.

Etymology

From Middle English lunatik, from Old French lunatique, from Late Latin lunaticus (“moonstruck”), derived from Latin luna (“moon”), the connection stemming from the belief that changes of the moon caused intermittent insanity.

Example Sentences

• "While there are other races (or individuals—heaven forgive me, I am no ethnologist) who think you a criminal or a lunatic unless you carefully plod along from step to step like a hippopotamus out of water."
• "You may be right I may be crazy Oh, but it just may be a lunatic you're looking for"