What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deranged
Example
The deranged man was shouting and throwing things in the street. [deranged: adjective]
Example
Her deranged behavior made her friends worry about her mental health. [deranged: adjective]
insane
Example
The insane asylum housed patients with severe mental illnesses. [insane: adjective]
Example
His insane ramblings made it clear he was not in his right mind. [insane: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Insane is more commonly used than deranged in everyday language, and is often used in legal contexts to describe someone who is not responsible for their actions due to mental illness.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between deranged and insane?
Both deranged and insane are typically associated with a formal or clinical tone, although insane may have a stronger negative connotation and be less appropriate in certain formal contexts.