French translation of madhouse is
maison de fous

Meaning of "madhouse" in English

The term "madhouse" is an informal English word used to describe a place characterized by chaos, noise, and activity, resembling a state of disarray often associated with an asylum. It conveys a setting where normal order is absent, and intense confusion or hectic activity reigns. Historically, it was used as a colloquial term for a mental institution or asylum, though this usage is considered outdated and derogatory. In modern times, it serves as a metaphor for any environment that feels overwhelmingly busy or disorganized.

Meaning of "maison de fous" in French

"Maison de fous," translating to "madhouse" in English, refers to an institution for the mentally ill or an asylum. The phrase can also metaphorically describe a chaotic or drastically disordered place. Like its English counterpart, it is seldom used in formal contexts due to its historically insensitive connotations. In conversational French, "maison de fous" might describe any setting or situation that is hectic or disorderly, reflecting the term's figurative usage over the literal.

Pronunciation of "madhouse" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈmædˌhaʊs/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "madhouse" remains consistent across most English-speaking regions, with slight variations in accent or intonation, often influenced by the speaker's native dialect.

Pronunciation of "maison de fous" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /mɛ.zɔ̃ də fu/

Pronunciation Variations: Typically, "maison de fous" is pronounced consistently across French-speaking regions, though minor changes can occur in intonation or stress patterns depending on regional accents or individual speech habits.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

1. The office turned into a madhouse after the announcement. - Le bureau s'est transformé en maison de fous après l'annonce.
2. During the sale, the store became a complete madhouse. - Pendant la vente, le magasin est devenu une véritable maison de fous.
3. It’s a madhouse every time the family gathers for a reunion. - C'est une maison de fous à chaque fois que la famille se réunit.
4. The traffic was like a madhouse during rush hour. - La circulation était comme une maison de fous pendant l'heure de pointe.
5. Keeping the kids entertained turned the living room into a madhouse. - Occuper les enfants a transformé le salon en maison de fous.
6. The airport felt like a madhouse during the holiday season. - L'aéroport ressemblait à une maison de fous pendant la saison des fêtes.
7. His workshop always looks like a madhouse, but he knows where everything is. - Son atelier ressemble toujours à une maison de fous, mais il sait où tout se trouve.
8. The restaurant turned into a madhouse when the celebrity arrived. - Le restaurant est devenu une maison de fous quand la célébrité est arrivée.
9. After the power outage, the dorm was a madhouse of activity. - Après la panne de courant, le dortoir était une maison de fous d'activité.
10. The newsroom was a madhouse as the editors raced against the deadline. - La salle de rédaction était une maison de fous alors que les rédacteurs luttaient contre la montre.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "madhouse" in English

Synonyms: chaos, mayhem, bedlam, uproar, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil, confusion, disorder, frenzy.

Antonyms: order, peace, calm, tranquility, harmony, organization, serenity, stability, quiet, discipline.

Similar Words: asylum, chaos, tizzy, hullabaloo, commotion, ruckus, kerfuffle, disorder, hustle, havoc.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "maison de fous" in French

Synonyms: asile, hôpital psychiatrique, centre de traitement, chaos, désordre, tumulte, tohu-bohu, zizanie, confusion, agitation.

Antonyms: ordre, paix, calme, tranquillité, harmonie, organisation, sérénité, stabilité, silence, discipline.

Similar Words: asile, brouhaha, chaos, turbulence, agitation, cacophonie, désordre, pagaille, chahut, vacarme.

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