Megalomaniac Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐คช
megalomaniac
[หmษgษloสหmeษชniรฆk ]
Definition
mental disorder
A megalomaniac is a person who is obsessed with their own power and importance. This obsession often leads to grandiose beliefs about their abilities and an inflated sense of self-worth. Such individuals may exhibit extreme behaviors in pursuit of validation and recognition.
Synonyms
arrogant person, egotist, narcissist, self-aggrandizer.
Examples of usage
- The CEO was a classic megalomaniac, believing he could do no wrong.
- Her megalomaniac tendencies made her dismiss constructive criticism.
- Many politicians display megalomaniac traits, craving power and admiration.
- In the story, the megalomaniac villain sought world domination through chaos.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Megalomania is considered a symptom of various psychological disorders, including narcissistic personality disorder.
- People exhibiting these traits often show a lack of empathy and have an inflated sense of self-importance.
- In clinical settings, such behavior can often lead to problematic relationships and isolation from others.
Pop Culture
- Megalomaniacs are commonly depicted as villains in movies and literature, illustrating the dangers of unchecked ambition.
- Iconic characters like Lex Luthor from Superman and the Joker from Batman are often seen as megalomaniacs, driven by their desire for power.
- The theme of megalomania can also be seen in historical dramatizations, reflecting real leaders whose ambitions led to their downfalls.
History
- Historical figures like Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin are often cited as examples of megalomaniacs who sought absolute power.
- Throughout history, many dictators have demonstrated megalomania through their extreme egos and oppressive regimes.
- The term gained popularity during the 20th century as psychology began to recognize and label such extreme behaviors in leadership.
Literature
- Megalomania appears frequently in Shakespeareโs works, representing characters with grand aspirations and tragic flaws.
- Modern novels often explore the complex psychology of megalomaniacs, providing insight into their motives and consequences.
- In George Orwell's '1984', the character Big Brother embodies megalomania through total control and surveillance over individuals.
Origin of 'megalomaniac'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'megalo-', meaning large or great, and '-maniac', which refers to madness or obsession.
- It originated in the late 19th century, with roots in Greek and Latin, reflecting its connotation of grandiosity.
- The prefix 'mega' often indicates something large in size or extent, while 'maniac' refers to someone with an excessive enthusiasm or obsession.
The word 'megalomaniac' derives from the Greek roots 'megalo-' meaning 'large' or 'great' and 'mania' meaning 'madness' or 'frenzy'. Its earliest usage can be traced back to the early 20th century, primarily in psychological contexts to describe individuals exhibiting delusions of grandeur. As the understanding of different personalities and behaviors evolved, the term began to be applied more broadly to describe those excessively obsessed with their own importance or power. Initially used in clinical psychology, it gradually permeated popular culture, being employed to characterize notorious leaders or celebrity figures displaying extreme self-importance and often harmful behavior. Today, the term has been adopted widely in various fields, including politics, business, and entertainment, to describe individuals whose grandeur can lead to destructive behaviors.