berserk Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun one of the ancient Norse warriors legendary for working themselves into a frenzy before a battle and fighting with reckless savagery and insane fury
    berserker.
  2. adjective satellite frenzied as if possessed by a demon
    amok; possessed; demoniac; amuck; demoniacal.
    • the soldier was completely amuck
    • berserk with grief
    • a berserk worker smashing windows

WordNet

Ber"serk, Ber"serk*er noun (Also<
  • Berserk
  • Berserker
)
Etymology
Icel. berserkr.
Definitions
  1. (Scand. Myth.) One of a class of legendary heroes, who fought frenzied by intoxicating liquors, and naked, regardless of wounds. Longfellow.
  2. One who fights as if frenzied, like a Berserker.

Webster 1913