Megalomaniac: meaning, definitions and examples
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megalomaniac
[ ˌmɛgəloʊˈmeɪniæk ]
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
Translations of the word "megalomaniac" in other languages:
🇵🇹 megalomaníaco
🇮🇳 मेगालोमेनियाक
🇩🇪 Megaloman
🇮🇩 megalomania
🇺🇦 мегаломанія
🇵🇱 megaloman
🇯🇵 メガロマニア
🇫🇷 mégalomane
🇪🇸 megalómano
🇹🇷 megaloman
🇰🇷 메갈로매니악
🇸🇦 مجنون العظمة
🇨🇿 megaloman
🇸🇰 megaloman
🇨🇳 自大狂
🇸🇮 megaloman
🇮🇸 megalómaníak
🇰🇿 мегаломан
🇬🇪 მეგალომანიაკი
🇦🇿 megalomaniac
🇲🇽 megalómano
Etymology
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.