the.com/lunacy
An old word for madness, once blamed on the phases of the moon.
means Wild, irrational behavior or foolishness — technically also an old legal term for mental illness.
from From Latin 'luna' (moon), via 'lunaticus.' Ancient and medieval folk believed the moon's phases could trigger madness or epilepsy — the word carried that theory straight into English, moonlight and all. The link between moon cycles and actual madness has never held up scientifically, but the word outlived the belief.
- old belief
- Full moons allegedly triggered temporary insanity
- legal history
- Once a real courtroom term for insanity
- science verdict
- No actual lunar effect on behavior proven