maniacal

[muh-nahy-uh-kuhl]

adjective

1. of or relating to mania or a maniac.

maniacal

/ məˈnaɪəkəl, ˈmeɪnɪæk /

adjective

1. affected with or characteristic of mania

2. characteristic of or befitting a maniac

   maniacal laughter

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of maniacal¹

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

Example Sentences

This latest collection spans from mild to maniacal.

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“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.

Read more on 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.

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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.

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There’s a deeper reason why recently he’s sounding even more maniacal.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• delirious