Definition of addled

"Addled" comes from the Old English word "æðele," meaning "noble" or "of high rank." It underwent a fascinating semantic shift. Over time, "æðele" evolved into "addle," meaning "rotten" or "spoiled," possibly due to the idea that nobility could become corrupted or degenerate. This shift is reflected in the modern usage of "addled," which signifies a state of confusion, muddled thinking, or mental decay, often associated with aging or illness. So, the word's journey from noble to confused reveals a complex history of language evolution.