Moonstricken (/ˈmuːnstrɪkən/) is an adjective that refers to someone who is deeply affected or bewildered by the moon or its influence. The word is derived from two separate words, 'moon' and 'stricken', with the latter meaning 'affected by something overwhelming or detrimental'. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word indicates that it is pronounced as "MOON-strick-uhn". The spelling of this word follows the typical English pattern, with the '-stricken' suffix added to the root word, resulting in a new word that is easy to pronounce and spell.
Moonstricken is an adjective that describes a person who is mentally or emotionally affected in an irrational or eccentric manner due to the influence of the moon. The term alludes to the belief that there is a mystical connection between the moon and human behavior, often associated with lunacy or madness. It signifies a state of being overcome by the moon's radiant power, leading to irrational thoughts and behaviors.
The notion of being moonstricken originates from ancient folklore and superstitions where people believed that the moon could induce insanity or frenzy. These beliefs were further fueled by the word "lunatic" being derived from the Latin word "luna," meaning moon. The influence of the moon on human behavior has long been a subject of fascination and speculation.
In contemporary usage, the term "moonstricken" can also be used in a metaphorical sense to describe someone who is romantically infatuated or enchanted, as if under the moon's spell. It implies a state of being captivated or mesmerized by someone or something, similar to the way the moon can captivate the night sky. In this context, it often connotes an intense and irrational attraction.
Overall, moonstricken characterizes a person who is mentally or emotionally affected by the moon's influence, whether it be in a literal or metaphorical sense, resulting in behaviors or emotions that are deemed eccentric or irrational.
The word "moonstricken" is derived from two elements: "moon" and "stricken".
The term "moon" comes from the Old English word "mona", which is akin to the German word "Mond" and the Dutch word "maan". These words can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "menon" or "moanen". The Old English "mona" was used to refer to the natural satellite that orbits the Earth.
The element "stricken" comes from the Old English word "strican", which means "to stroke" or "to touch lightly". This word is related to the Old Norse word "strika" and the Middle Dutch word "strijken", both of which have similar meanings.
The word "moonstricken" combines the concept of the moon with the action of being "stricken".