stir-crazy
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Of a prisoner, mentally unbalanced due to prolonged incarceration.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Restless, uncomfortable, or impatient due to inactivity or confinement.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “stir-crazy” mean?
Of a prisoner, mentally unbalanced due to prolonged incarceration.
Is “stir-crazy” formal or informal?
stir-crazy is generally slang.