Megalomaniac

/ˌmɛɡəloʊˈmeɪniæk/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A person who is obsessively preoccupied with their own power and importance.
The CEO’s megalomaniac tendencies alienated his employees.
A person who has an extreme desire for power and success.
In the movie, the villain was portrayed as a megalomaniac determined to rule the world.
A person exhibiting delusions of grandeur.
His friends joked that he was a megalomaniac, always boasting about his achievements.

Etymology

Derived from 'megalo-' meaning large or great, and 'mania' meaning obsession.

Common Phrases and Expressions

megalomaniacal tendencies
Behaviors indicative of a megalomaniac, such as seeking immense power.
a megalomaniac's grip
Refers to the strong influence a megalomaniac has over others.
living in a megalomania
The state of being obsessed with one's superiority and power.

Related Words

megalomania
An obsession with power or importance.
narcissism
Excessive interest in oneself and one's physical appearance.
authoritarianism
Concentration of power in a leader or an elite not responsible to the people.

Slang Meanings

Power freak
He's a total power freak, always bossing everyone around like a megalomaniac.
Control freak
Don't be such a control freak; you're coming off as a megalomaniac.