Maniac: meaning, definitions and examples

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maniac

 

[ หˆmeษชniรฆk ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mental state

A maniac is an individual exhibiting extremely wild or violent behavior. The term often refers to someone who is obsessed or fanatical about a particular subject or activity, leading to extreme actions. In psychological contexts, it can describe someone suffering from mania, a mental health disorder characterized by elevated mood and energy. Maniacs may engage in reckless behavior that endangers themselves or others, showing little regard for consequences.

Synonyms

crazy person, fanatic, lunatic, obsessive.

Examples of usage

  • The maniac driver caused several accidents on the highway.
  • She was a maniac when it came to basketball, practicing every day.
  • The authorities are searching for a maniac who has been terrorizing the neighborhood.

Translations

Translations of the word "maniac" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น manรญaco

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเคพเค—เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Maniak

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ maniak

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะฐะฝั–ัะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ maniak

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒžใƒ‹ใ‚ขใƒƒใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท maniaque

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ manรญaco

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท manyak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ด‘์‹ ์ž

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฌู†ูˆู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ maniak

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ maniak

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็‹‚็ƒญ่€…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ manijak

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ manรญak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐะฝะธัะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒœแƒ˜แƒแƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ manyak

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ manรญaco

Etymology

The word 'maniac' is derived from the Greek word 'maniakos,' which means 'of madness.' It first entered the English language in the early 19th century and has evolved to describe various forms of extreme behavior. While the original meaning was tied to madness in a clinical sense, the usage has broadened to include anyone displaying obsessive or uncontrolled enthusiasm for a hobby or activity. Over time, the term has also acquired a more negative connotation, often used to describe someone who is dangerously uncontrolled or violent. The evolution of the word reflects a cultural understanding of mental health and the stigmas that can surround it, highlighting how language adapts to societal norms and perceptions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,913, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.