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Monomania Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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monomania

[ˌmɒnəʊˈmeɪniə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

psychological condition

Monomania is a condition characterized by excessive concentration on a single idea or thought. It can manifest in various forms, such as obsession with a particular interest or an unyielding fixation on a specific individual or concept. This mental state can lead to impairments in social functioning and decision-making, as the affected individual may neglect other aspects of their life. Monomania is distinct from broader mental disorders, as it pertains specifically to one dominating thought process.

Synonyms

fixation, obsession, preoccupation.

Examples of usage

  • His monomania about hiking led him to abandon all other hobbies.
  • She experienced monomania regarding her art project, struggling to focus on anything else.
  • The scientist's monomania for research resulted in groundbreaking discoveries but strained personal relationships.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Monomania is related to mental health conditions where a person has an excessive fixation, which can sometimes lead to irrational behavior.
  • It was once classified as a distinct form of insanity in the early psychiatric diagnoses, mainly highlighting singular obsessions.

Literature

  • Notable authors like Edgar Allan Poe explored themes of obsession in his works, reflecting characteristics of monomania.
  • The term has been employed to analyze characters in novels who become fixated on singular goals, often leading to dramatic conflict.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV often depict characters suffering from monomania, portraying their single-mindedness as both a driving force and a tragic flaw.
  • A famous example is Captain Ahab from 'Moby-Dick', who obsessively hunts the whale, symbolizing monomania in literature.

Science

  • Recent studies within neuroscience suggest that extreme focus can lead to changes in brain function and even mental health issues.
  • Research indicates that high levels of fixation may affect decision-making, showing how obsession influences cognitive processes.

Origin of 'monomania'

Main points about word origin

  • The word is derived from the Greek roots 'mono' meaning 'one' and 'mania' meaning 'madness' or 'frenzy.'
  • Although the term began to appear in literature in the 19th century, the concept of being overly obsessed has existed for much longer.

The term 'monomania' is derived from the Greek roots 'mono-' meaning 'single' or 'one' and 'mania' meaning 'madness' or 'frenzy.' It was first used in the early 19th century, notably in the field of psychology to describe a condition where an individual is dominated by one particular idea or obsession. The concept was popularized by French psychiatrist Philippe Pinel in the late 1700s and early 1800s, as he observed patients fixated on singular thoughts. Over the years, monomania has been studied and discussed in various contexts, including literature and art, reflecting a broader understanding of obsessive behavior.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,592 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.