The spelling of the phrase "were maddened" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first word, "were," is pronounced /wɜr/, which contains the vowel sound /ɜ/ as in "her." The second word, "maddened," is pronounced /ˈmædənd/, with the short vowel sound /æ/ as in "cat" and the syllable stress on the second syllable. "Maddened" is the past tense of "madden," meaning to make someone very angry or irritated. Together, "were maddened" describes a past state of being extremely angry or provoked.
"Were maddened" is a phrase that describes a state of intense anger or rage experienced by a group of individuals. Derived from the verb "madden," which means to cause someone to become mentally disturbed or infuriated, "were maddened" conveys a collective sense of extreme agitation or frenzy.
When a group of people are said to "were maddened," it implies that they have become overwhelmed by a powerful emotional response, often triggered by a particular event, circumstance, or stimulus. This reaction is characterized by a loss of rationality and a compromised ability to control their emotions. The individuals may display aggressive or volatile behaviors, displaying anger that is fervent and all-consuming.
The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as riots, protests, or other tumultuous situations where a group of people collectively exhibit signs of madness or intense fury. It implies that their anger has transcended the level of typical annoyance or irritation, transforming into an uncontrollable and potentially dangerous psychological state.
"Were maddened" signifies a temporary state, suggesting that the intense anger is not an inherent characteristic of the individuals involved. It is a descriptive expression that helps to portray the passionate and frenzied nature of their anger, emphasizing the emotional turmoil experienced collectively.
The phrase "were maddened" is not a standalone word with a specific etymology. It is a combination of the verb "were" (past tense of "to be") and the adjective "maddened", which is derived from the verb "mad" (meaning insane or mentally disturbed). The etymology of "mad" traces back to Middle English "maad" and Old English "gemǣded", which meant "driven to madness" or "frenzied".