Dictionary
1berserk
noun ber·serk \bə(r)-ˈsərk, ˌbər-, -ˈzərk; ˈbər-ˌ\
Definition of BERSERK
1
: an ancient Scandinavian warrior frenzied in battle and held to be invulnerable
2
: one whose actions are recklessly defiant
Variants of BERSERK
ber·serk or ber·serk·er \-ˈsər-kər, -ˈzər-; ˈbər-ˌ\
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Origin of BERSERK
Old Norse berserkr, probably from ber- bear + serkr shirt
First Known Use: 1818
Rhymes with BERSERK
artwork, at work, beadwork, breastwork, brickwork, bridgework, brightwork, brushwork, capework, casework, clockwork, coachwork, de Klerk, ductwork, Dunkirk, earthwork, falsework, fieldwork, file clerk, firework, flatwork, footwork, formwork, framework, fretwork, frostwork, glasswork, Grand Turk, grillwork, groundwork, guesswork, hackwork, handwork, hauberk, headwork, homework, housework, in work, ironwork, knee-jerk, lacework, lifework, make-work, meshwork, millwork, network, outwork, paintwork, patchwork, piecework, presswork, quillwork, rework, roadwork, salesclerk, schoolwork, scrollwork, shellwork, slopwork, Southwark, spadework, steelwork, stickwork, stonework, stump work, teamwork, timework, topwork, town clerk, waxwork, webwork, wheelwork, woodwork, young Turk
2berserk
adjective
: crazy and violent especially because of anger
Full Definition of BERSERK
: frenzied, crazed —usually used in the phrase go berserk <sinister ravings of an imagination gone berserk — John Gruen>
— berserk adverb
— ber·serk·ly adverb
See berserk defined for English-language learners
See berserk defined for kids
First Known Use of BERSERK
1851
BERSERK Defined for Kids
berserk
adjective ber·serk \bər-ˈsərk, -ˈzərk\
Definition of BERSERK for Kids
: out of control especially due to extreme anger or excitement
Medical Dictionary
berserk
adjective ber·serk \bə(r)-ˈsərk, ˌbər-, -ˈzərk, ˈbər-ˌ\
Medical Definition of BERSERK
: marked by crazed or frenzied behavior suggestive of sudden mental imbalance—usually used in the phrase go berserk
—berserk adverb
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