madhouse

• Nom qui désignait historiquement un établissement psychiatrique, souvent de manière péjorative, et qui est aujourd'hui considéré comme vieilli et insultant. Il s'emploie aussi au sens figuré pour évoquer un lieu ou une situation de grand désordre, de confusion ou d'agitation.

A noun that was historically used as a pejorative term for an insane asylum, now considered outdated and offensive.

1. Chaotic or noisy placeB2informal

   A place or situation that is extremely chaotic, noisy, or disorganized.

   maison de fous

   • The office was a madhouse during the deadline week.
   • The children's birthday party turned into a complete madhouse.
   • The train station was a madhouse during the holiday rush.

   Synonymesbedlamchaoscircusmayhempandemoniumzoo

   Antonymescalmorderquietserenitytranquility

2. Psychiatric hospital (dated)C1informal

   An outdated and pejorative term for a hospital for people with mental illness.

   hôpital psychiatrique (vieilli)

   • The old building was once a notorious madhouse.
   • In the past, patients were often mistreated in madhouses.
   • The term 'madhouse' is now considered offensive and inappropriate.

   Synonymesasylumbedlamfunny farmnuthouse