Meaning & Definition of word "Megalomaniac"

Megalomaniac

/ˌmɛɡəloʊˈmeɪniæk/

noun:

  • 1. A person who is obsessively preoccupied with their own power and importance.
    • Example: The CEO’s megalomaniac tendencies alienated his employees.
  • 2. A person who has an extreme desire for power and success.
    • Example: In the movie, the villain was portrayed as a megalomaniac determined to rule the world.
  • 3. A person exhibiting delusions of grandeur.
    • Example: 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 of megalomaniac

Meaning: Power freak

Example Sentence: He's a total power freak, always bossing everyone around like a megalomaniac.

Meaning: Control freak

Example Sentence: Don't be such a control freak; you're coming off as a megalomaniac.