automania
|au-to-ma-ni-a|
/ˌɔːtəˈmeɪniə/
obsessive enthusiasm for cars
Etymology
'automania' originates from modern English formation combining 'auto-' (as in 'automobile') and Greek 'mania' meaning 'madness' or 'frenzy'.
'automania' was formed in English in the late 19th to early 20th century as automobiles became widespread; 'automobile' itself comes from French 'automobile' (from Greek 'autos' 'self' + Latin 'mobilis' 'movable'), while 'mania' comes from Greek 'μανία' ('mania').
Initially it referred specifically to a craze for automobiles; over time it has retained that meaning and is used to describe intense passion or craze related to cars.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an obsessive enthusiasm for automobiles; a mania for owning, collecting, or being preoccupied with cars.
Automania gripped the town after the new racetrack opened.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/26 18:04