maenad

• Nom désignant une femme en proie à l'égarement ou au délire, ou, dans la mythologie grecque, une participante aux rites extatiques de Dionysos.

A noun referring to a woman who is frenzied or distraught, or in Greek mythology, a female participant in the ecstatic rites of Dionysus.

1. Frenzied womanC2formal

   A woman who is in a state of extreme, unnatural frenzy or emotional distress.

   Ménade

   • She became a maenad, screaming and tearing her clothes in grief.
   • The crowd watched the maenad's wild, uncontrollable behavior with horror.
   • In her rage, she was like a maenad, completely lost to reason.

   Synonymesbacchantefury

2. Mythological follower of DionysusC2formal

   In Greek mythology, a female follower of the god Dionysus who participated in his ecstatic and orgiastic rites.

   Ménade

   • The maenads danced wildly through the forest, celebrating the god of wine.
   • Ancient art often depicts maenads with thyrsus staffs and in states of divine ecstasy.
   • The maenads' rituals were a central part of the Dionysian mysteries.

   Synonymesbacchantbacchante