Phrase guide

like mad

prep_phrase · 2 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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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

prep_phrase

Meaning 1

Like a mad person; in a furious or deranged manner; to a great or excessive degree; with great enthusiasm.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • We poked a stick into the hornets' nest and ran like mad.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

adverb

Meaning 2

with great speed or effort or intensity

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • drove like crazy
  • worked like hell to get the job done
  • ran like sin for the storm cellar
  • work like thunder
  • fought like the devil

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: like hell, like crazy, like sin, like thunder, like the devil

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.