derange

/di-ˈrānj/ (ame, mw)

derange — verb

  • derangepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • deranges3rd person singular
  • deranging-ing form
  • derangedpast simple

1. to upset the normal working of a system, plan, or process so that it no longer r

1.動詞及物C2
釋義

to upset the normal working of a system, plan, or process so that it no longer runs properly

例句

The software update deranged the payment system at Noor's bakery.

pattern: derange + system

Heavy fog deranged flight schedules at the small island airport.

collocation: derange flight schedules

同義詞
  • disrupt

    More common in modern English and less literary than 'derange'.

  • upset

    Can describe disturbing a plan or process, but is broader and less formal.

  • throw off

    More informal and often suggests causing a process to lose balance or rhythm.

反義詞
  • stabilize

    Means to make a system or process steady again.

  • restore

    Focuses on bringing normal working back after disruption.

文法句型

derange + system

derange + timetable

derange + process

用法筆記

Object is usually a system, plan, schedule, or routine rather than a loose physical object. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about putting arranged things into a mess.

常見錯誤

❌The rain deranged our trip for two hours.
✅The rain delayed our trip for two hours.
💡'Derange' means to throw normal working into disorder, not simply to make something later.

2. to put things out of their usual order or neat arrangement

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to put things out of their usual order or neat arrangement

例句

Feng deranged the files while searching for the missing contract.

pattern: derange + files

The puppy deranged Adaeze's shoes by dragging them across the hall.

同義詞
  • disarrange

    Very close in meaning, though even rarer than 'derange'.

  • disorder

    A more neutral word for making something untidy or out of sequence.

  • muss up

    Informal and mainly used for hair, clothes, or soft things.

反義詞
  • arrange

    Means to put things into a planned or neat order.

  • tidy

    Focuses on making something neat again after a mess.

文法句型

derange + papers

derange + files

derange + clothes

用法筆記

Usually used for objects that were arranged neatly or in a fixed order. Distinguish from sense 1, which is about disrupting how a system, plan, or process works.

常見錯誤

❌The delay deranged our meeting plan.
✅The delay deranged the whole timetable.' or 'The delay disrupted our plan.
💡Sense 2 is about order, while simple scheduling problems are often better expressed with 'disrupt' or 'delay'.

3. to cause someone to lose mental balance and think or behave in a seriously distu

3.動詞及物C2
釋義

to cause someone to lose mental balance and think or behave in a seriously disturbed way

例句

Weeks without sleep deranged the sailor during the winter crossing.

cause: lack of sleep deranges someone

The long fever nearly deranged Lakshmi before the doctor arrived.

同義詞
  • unhinge

    Also suggests mental disturbance, often with a dramatic tone.

  • unbalance

    Can refer to mental disturbance but is slightly less vivid.

  • drive mad

    More idiomatic and common in modern English, though often less formal.

反義詞
  • steady

    Means to make someone calmer or more mentally settled.

  • calm

    A common word for reducing strong emotion or agitation.

文法句型

derange + someone

grief deranged + person

fever deranged + person

用法筆記

Common in literary, dramatic, or strongly judgmental writing rather than neutral modern speech. For everyday situations, speakers usually choose milder wording such as 'seriously affect someone's mental health' or 'drive someone to a breakdown'.

常見錯誤

❌One rude comment deranged me.
✅One rude comment upset me.
💡'Derange' suggests a severe loss of mental balance, not ordinary annoyance.