megalomania

[ meg-uh-loh-mey-nee-uh ]

noun

1. Psychiatry. a symptom of mental illness marked by delusions of greatness, wealth, etc.
2. an obsession with doing extravagant or grand things.

megalomania

/ ˌmɛɡələʊməˈnaɪəkəl; ˌmɛɡələʊˈmeɪnɪə /

noun

1. a mental illness characterized by delusions of grandeur, power, wealth, etc
2. informal.
   a lust or craving for power

megalomania

1. Delusions of grandeur; an extreme form of egotism . Adolf Hitler is generally considered to have been a megalomaniac.

Derived Forms

• ˌmegaloˈmaniac, adjectivenoun
• megalomaniacal, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of megalomania¹

First recorded in 1885–90; megalo- + -mania

Example Sentences

He added: “Ultimately I knew it was Cannes’ setting — more than a match for his own megalomania — that would convince him to come.”

From Seattle Times

Earlier this week, Donald Trump took the next logical step in his fascist god complex and megalomania.

From Salon

At the same time, I remain convinced that Trump’s megalomania — his growing radicalism, his frequent threats, his general odiousness — represents a path to electoral calamity in 2024 for the GOP.

From Salon

Trump’s megalomania and claims to god-like power, were on full display during his speech on Saturday, where the ex-president, described himself in the third person, telling the audience that “Trump was right about everything.”

From Salon

As innumerable clinical psychologists have pointed out, both share megalomania and unbridled malignant narcissism.

From Salon

Related Words

• arrogance
• egotism
• narcissism
• self-confidence
• selfishness