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

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.