Choreomania

/ˌkɔːriəˈmeɪniə/ noun

Definition

A historical epidemic disorder where groups of people became compelled to dance uncontrollably, often for hours or days.

Etymology

From Greek 'choreia' (dance) and 'mania' (madness). This term describes the real phenomenon of 'dancing plagues' that occurred in medieval Europe, most famously in Strasbourg in 1518.

Kelly Says

In 1518, about 34 people in Strasbourg, Germany spontaneously started dancing in the street and couldn't stop—within a week, 34 became 400! Historians think it was a psychological mass hysteria caused by stress and poverty, not actual magic.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.