Madcap / adjective / mad·​cap

In the English language, we use the word “madcap” both as a noun and an adjective. When used as a noun, “madcap” means an eccentric person. It can also mean lunatic or crank. When used as an adjective, the word “madcap” shows a negative definition that implies foolishness and undesirable behavior.

In a Sentence

We know the tightrope walkers at the circus for their madcap cartwheels while up in the air.

Her madcap behavior makes her best friends not want to go out to social functions with her.

The research team thought the hard-working professor was eccentric in his madcap approach.

Etymology

Etymologists say the word “madcap” has been in use since the late 1500s. They started using the word around 1591 with its current meaning that relates to foolishness and reckless behavior. The word “madcap” has origins that are related to similar words used to represent people believed to be “lunatics” or “crazy people.” The original definition of the word “madcap” was ‘crazy head.’

Synonym

Audacious, Foolhardy

Antonym

Careful, Cautious