derange definition

1. To put out of place, order, or rank; to disturb the proper arrangement or order of; to throw into disorder, confusion, or embarrassment; to disorder; to disarrange; as, to derange the plans of a commander, or the affairs of a nation.

2. To disturb in action or function, as a part or organ, or the whole of a machine or organism. "A sudden fall deranges some of our internal parts." (Blair)

3. To disturb in the orderly or normal action of the intellect; to render insane.

Synonyms: To disorder, disarrange, displace, unsettle, disturb, confuse, discompose, ruffle, disconcert.

Origin: F. Deranger; pref. De- = des- (L. Dis) + ranger to range. See Range, and cf. Disarrange, Disrank.

(01 Mar 1998)