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Maniacal: meaning, definitions and examples

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maniacal

 

[ məˈnaɪ.ə.kəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

extreme behavior

The term 'maniacal' is often used to describe actions or behaviors that are marked by excessive enthusiasm, energy, or irrationality. It can refer to someone who is exhibiting wild, uncontrolled excitement, which might border on madness. This word conveys a sense of intensity and often has a negative connotation, suggesting that the person may be out of control or overly obsessed with something. 'Maniacal' can also apply in contexts such as celebrations, pursuits, or even laughter that seems disproportionate to the situation.

Synonyms

frantic, frenzied, obsessive, wild

Examples of usage

  • He laughed maniacally at his own joke.
  • Her maniacal obsession with collecting dolls worried her friends.
  • The villain in the story had a maniacal plan to take over the world.

Translations

Translations of the word "maniacal" in other languages:

🇵🇹 maníaco

🇮🇳 मैनिकल

🇩🇪 manisch

🇮🇩 manik

🇺🇦 маніакальний

🇵🇱 maniakalny

🇯🇵 マニアカル

🇫🇷 maniaque

🇪🇸 maníaco

🇹🇷 manik

🇰🇷 광적인

🇸🇦 مجنون

🇨🇿 maniakální

🇸🇰 maniakálny

🇨🇳 狂热的

🇸🇮 maničen

🇮🇸 maníakalegur

🇰🇿 маньякалық

🇬🇪 მანიური

🇦🇿 maniak

🇲🇽 maníaco

Word origin

The word 'maniacal' is derived from the root 'maniac,' which comes from the Greek word 'mania,' meaning 'madness' or 'frenzy.' The prefix 'mani-' references this Greek origin, while the '-cal' suffix denotes an adjective form. 'Maniac' was first used in English in the late 17th century to describe someone who exhibited symptoms of madness. Over time, 'maniacal' emerged to capture the essence of extreme behavior associated with such individuals. The negative connotation of the word reflects societal concerns about insanity and obsession, particularly in a psychological context. Its use in literature and media often emphasizes the extremes of human emotion and erratic behavior, contributing to its place in contemporary language.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,645, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.