wilder
|wild-er|
🇺🇸
/ˈwaɪldər/
🇬🇧
/ˈwaɪldə/
more wild; make confused
Etymology
'wilder' originates from Old English 'wild', specifically the word 'wild', where the root meant 'untamed' or 'not domesticated'.
'wilder' changed from Middle English forms such as 'wilder(n)' (formed from the adjective 'wild' with verbal/ comparative endings) and eventually became the modern English word 'wilder'.
Initially it was used as the comparative/derivative of 'wild' meaning 'more untamed' or 'to make wild'; over time it also developed the sense 'to lead astray or to bewilder'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to cause to become confused, disoriented, or bewildered; to lead astray or throw into disorder.
The sudden change of plan served to wilder the team.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
past tense or past participle form of 'wilder'.
By then, the unexpected results had wilder the committee.
Last updated: 2025/08/21 14:36