maniacal
|ma-ni-ac-al|
/məˈnaɪəkəl/
wild, intense madness or obsession
Etymology
'maniacal' originates from English, specifically formed from the noun 'maniac', where the root 'mania' (Greek) meant 'madness'.
'maniacal' changed from the noun 'maniac' (borrowed into English via French/Latin from Greek 'mania') and the adjective form was created in English (late 19th century) as 'maniacal'.
Initially it meant 'of or relating to a person affected by mania' or 'pertaining to madness', but over time it evolved to mean 'showing extreme, often violent or obsessive behaviour' or 'intensely fanatical'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
affected by or exhibiting madness; wildly insane or deranged.
The suspect's maniacal grin unnerved everyone in the room.
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Adjective 2
showing excessive enthusiasm, obsession, or compulsive intensity; fanatical.
Her maniacal dedication to the project led her to work through the night.
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Last updated: 2025/11/03 21:38