Berserk Meaning Origin. From Old Norse berserkr noun probably from birn- bjorn serkr coat but also possibly from berr bare ie. Opposite of involving physical conflict or having a propensity to use physical force.
By 1835 an alternative form of berserker a word which was introduced as berserkar by Sir Walter Scott in The Pirate. Myth One of a class of legendary heroes who fought frenzied by intoxicating liquors and naked regardless of wounds. From Old Norse berserkr noun probably from birn- bjorn serkr coat but also possibly from berr bare ie.
Berserk adj 1844 from berserk n Norse warrior.
The word berserk came into English in the early 19 th century as a noun used to describe an ancient Norse warrior who fought with uncontrolled ferocity also known as a berserker. 1822 from Old Norse berserkr n raging warrior of superhuman strength. Berserk comes from Old Norse berserkr which combines ber- bear and serkr shirt. Opposite of very angry.
