maniacal

American  

[muh-nahy-uh-kuhl] / məˈnaɪ ə kəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to mania or a maniac.

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maniacal British  

/ məˈnaɪəkəl, ˈmeɪnɪæk /

adjective

1. affected with or characteristic of mania

2. characteristic of or befitting a maniac

   maniacal laughter

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Other Word Forms

• maniacally adverb
• postmaniacal adjective
• premaniacal adjective
• submaniacal adjective
• unmaniacal adjective

Etymology

Origin of maniacal

First recorded in 1670–80; maniac + -al ¹

Example Sentences

“It’s that discipline mentally, physically, that maniacal focus that makes you the best in the world.”

From The Wall Street Journal

This latest collection spans from mild to maniacal.

From The Wall Street Journal

“To come up with this type of pattern, it’s like a maniacal, mad scientist,” says the owner of Vintage on Hollywood, Brian Cohen, who now holds the jean jacket in his personal collection.

From Los Angeles Times

Bryant, in turn, became Harrison’s template for what a true superstar looked like: a cutthroat competitor, a maniacal worker, someone who gave every ounce of effort every second.

From The Wall Street Journal

Oscar nominee Columbus introduced audiences to the mysterious and maniacal ways of the Mogwai — furry, wide-eyed bipeds with giant ears — with the release of “Gremlins” in 1984.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• delirious