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maniac

noun

/ˈmeɪ niˌæk/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of maniac

An individual who displays extreme and often irrational behavior characterized by an obsession, frenzy, or madness.
"The horror movie featured a deranged maniac terrorizing the town."

Detailed meaning of maniac

This term is commonly used to describe someone who exhibits uncontrollable or reckless actions, often driven by an intense passion or obsession for a particular interest or activity. A maniac is typically associated with a lack of rationality or self-control, behaving in a frenzied or chaotic manner that may pose a threat to themselves or others. The term can be applied to various contexts, such as a sports fanatic who becomes excessively aggressive or a person with an obsession for cleanliness and organization who becomes overly compulsive. It is important to note that the term "maniac" is typically used informally and colloquially, and it should be employed with caution to avoid stigmatizing individuals who may have mental health challenges.

Example sentences containing maniac

1. She was a cleaning maniac, spending hours scrubbing every corner of her house.
2. The car chase ended abruptly when the maniac crashed into a lamppost.
3. The maniac's eyes glowed with a twisted sense of pleasure as chaos ensued.
4. The detective was determined to catch the maniac before more innocent lives were lost.
5. The maniac's wild laughter echoed through the empty corridors of the abandoned asylum.
6. The newspaper reported that a maniac was on the loose, targeting unsuspecting victims.

History and etymology of maniac

The noun 'maniac' derives its etymology from the same source as 'mania,' sharing its roots in ancient Greek. The term 'maniac' can be traced back to the Greek word 'maniakos,' which originally referred to individuals who were afflicted with madness or insanity. In ancient Greek society, madness was often associated with divine possession or supernatural forces, and 'maniakos' described those who exhibited extreme and irrational behavior attributed to such influences. Over time, the word evolved to describe individuals who display intense and often irrational behavior characterized by obsession, frenzy, or madness, as it is commonly used today. Thus, the etymology of 'maniac' harkens back to the ancient Greek understanding of mental states and remains connected to the concept of irrationality and extreme behavior.

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Further usage examples of maniac

1. His obsession with perfection made him a workaholic maniac, never satisfied with his achievements.
2. The maniac's graffiti covered the walls, showcasing a disturbed mind.
3. The maniac's erratic behavior frightened the passengers on the crowded subway train.
4. The police warned residents to stay indoors to avoid encountering the dangerous maniac.
5. The true crime podcast delved into the twisted psyche of the maniac behind the unsolved murders.
6. The maniac's obsession with dolls led to a collection that filled every inch of their home.
7. The maniac's rampage came to an end when they were apprehended by law enforcement.
8. The psychiatrist specialized in studying the minds of maniacs, seeking to understand their motives and triggers.
9. The movie portrayed a brilliant scientist who turned into a maniac.
10. The criminal profiler studied the mind of the maniac killer.
11. The maniac's actions left a trail of chaos and fear in the city.
12. The maniac's obsession with rare coins drove him to steal them.
13. The detective was determined to catch the elusive maniac.
14. The maniac's laughter sent shivers down the witnesses' spines.
15. The maniac's rampage through the city had to be stopped.
16. The maniac's erratic behavior made it difficult to predict their actions.
17. The maniac's graffiti covered the walls of the abandoned building.
18. The maniac's sinister grin was unsettling to everyone who saw it.
19. The psychiatrist attempted to understand the motives of the maniac.
20. The maniac's sudden outbursts of violence shocked the community.
21. The maniac's online posts hinted at their disturbed mindset.
22. The maniac's mask concealed their identity during the crime spree.
23. The maniac's reign of terror came to an end when they were captured.