The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

megalomaniac

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Dictionary definition of megalomaniac

A person who has an excessive desire for power, wealth, or fame and an inflated sense of their own importance.
"The megalomaniac's behavior was seen as a sign of a narcissistic personality disorder."

Detailed meaning of megalomaniac

They often have a delusional belief in their own greatness and may display arrogant and grandiose behavior. They may also have an intense need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. The term "megalomaniac" comes from the Greek words "megas" meaning "great" and "maniakos" meaning "insane." It is often used to describe people in positions of power, such as politicians or business leaders, who have an inflated sense of their own abilities and an obsessive desire to accumulate power and control. In psychology, megalomania is a personality disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and a constant need for attention and admiration.

Example sentences containing megalomaniac

1. They believed the dictator was a dangerous megalomaniac.
2. The megalomaniac had grandiose delusions of power and control.
3. People feared the megalomaniac's thirst for dominance and authority.
4. The megalomaniac manipulated others to fulfill their own ambitions.
5. They were convinced that the CEO was a megalomaniac, obsessed with personal gain.
6. The megalomaniac sought constant attention and adoration.

History and etymology of megalomaniac

The noun 'megalomaniac' is derived from two Greek words: 'megalē,' meaning 'great,' and 'mania,' which translates to 'madness' or 'insanity.' When combined, these roots create the term 'megalomania,' which originally referred to a psychiatric condition characterized by delusions of grandeur, where individuals believed themselves to possess exceptional powers or to be destined for greatness. Over time, this psychological term evolved into a more general descriptor for individuals who exhibit an excessive desire for power, wealth, or fame, often coupled with an inflated sense of their own importance. The etymology of 'megalomaniac' thus reflects its historical connection to mental illness but has since been adopted to describe those whose ambition and ego surpass reasonable bounds.

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Further usage examples of megalomaniac

1. Many regarded the cult leader as a megalomaniac with a messiah complex.
2. The megalomaniacal tendencies of the ruler led to oppression and abuse of power.
3. They exposed the megalomaniac's fraudulent claims and manipulative tactics.
4. The megalomaniac saw themselves as the center of the universe.
5. The megalomaniac's desire for dominance overshadowed their concern for others.
6. People struggled to understand the depths of the megalomaniac's narcissism.
7. The megalomaniac surrounded themselves with sycophants and yes-men.
8. The megalomaniacal leader had an insatiable hunger for control and authority.
9. They warned others about the dangers of following a megalomaniac.
10. The megalomaniacal tendencies of the individual caused turmoil and instability.
11. People were manipulated by the megalomaniac's charismatic and persuasive demeanor.
12. The megalomaniac's inflated ego led them to believe they were above the law.
13. The megalomaniacal ruler showed no empathy or regard for human life.
14. They exposed the megalomaniac's true intentions and their disregard for others.