manicomiale

asylum-related

adjective mah-nee-koh-MYAH-leh Rare

Also means

lunatic asylum (adj.)

Usage Note

Manicomiale is the adjective derived from manicomio (psychiatric asylum, madhouse) — condizioni manicomiali means conditions as chaotic or inhumane as an asylum. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often used figuratively to describe utter disorder or absurdity. The manicomio system was abolished in Italy by the Basaglia Law of 1978.

Examples

"La situazione era diventata completamente manicomiale."

Natural Translation

The situation had become completely chaotic.

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