maudlin

The definition of maudlin is someone who is overly sentimental, often in a tearful way or as a result of consuming alcohol.

(adjective)

An example of someone who would be described as maudlin is a person who has had a few drinks and is now tearfully weepy about her lost loves.

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See maudlin in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

  1. foolishly and tearfully or weakly sentimental
  2. tearfully sentimental from too much liquor

Origin: after Maudlin, Magdalene < ME Maudeleyne < OFr Madeleine: Magdalene was often represented with eyes red from weeping

See maudlin in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective
Effusively or tearfully sentimental: “displayed an almost maudlin concern for the welfare of animals” (Aldous Huxley). See Synonyms at sentimental.

Origin:

Origin: Alteration of (Mary) Magdalene, who was frequently depicted as a tearful penitent

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Related Forms:

  • maudˈlin·ly adverb
  • maudˈlin·ness noun

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