manic
|man-ic|
/ˈmænɪk/
extreme, frenzied excitement
Etymology
'manic' originates from the noun 'mania' (borrowed into English in New Latin and via French), ultimately from Greek 'μανία' (mania), where 'mania' meant 'madness' or 'frenzy'.
'manic' was formed in English in the 19th century by adding the adjective‑forming suffix '-ic' to 'mania' (from Greek 'μανία'), creating a word meaning 'of or relating to mania'.
Initially it meant 'relating to madness or mania' in a medical sense; over time it also acquired a broader colloquial sense of 'extremely hectic or frenzied'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is experiencing mania or exhibiting manic behavior; (informal) someone behaving in an excessively energetic or obsessed way.
He was described as a manic during his worst episodes.
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Adjective 1
relating to, affected by, or characteristic of mania (a clinical state of abnormally elevated mood and energy).
She was hospitalized after a manic episode.
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Adjective 2
extremely excited, hectic, or frenzied in a way that seems excessive or out of control (colloquial usage).
The office was manic on deadline day.
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Last updated: 2025/11/03 21:49