Colloquial Variant guide

5150

adj · noun · verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈfɪf.ti.wənˈfɪf.ti/
  • California: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -ɪfti

1

adj

Meaning 1

Of such an unsound mind that one should be involuntarily confined.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, slang

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: crazy

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

One who should be involuntarily confined.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, slang

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To involuntarily confine someone for a mental illness that poses a risk to themselves or others.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US, slang, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: commit, section, Baker Act

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From Article 1, Section 5150 of California's Welfare and Institutions Code, signed into law in 1967, regarding involuntary commitment for psychological evaluation and treatment. Popularized outside of California due to the spread of popular media produced in the state.