insanity

insanity

1. relatively permanent disorder of the mind; state or condition of being insane

2. Law a defect of reason as a result of mental illness, such that a defendant does not know what he or she is doing or that it is wrong

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

insanity

[in′san·əd·ē]

(psychology)

Any mental disorder.

In forensic psychiatry, a mental disorder which prevents one from managing one's affairs, impairs one's ability to distinguish right from wrong, or renders one harmful to oneself or others.

(psychology)

Term previously used to indicate mental disorder; no longer used in medical contexts.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.