pyromaniac

[ pahy-ruh-mey-nee-ak ]

noun

1. someone with a compulsion to set things on fire:

   One theory is that pyromaniacs simply love fires and the damage they cause, and so they start them.

Other Words From

• py·ro·ma·ni·a·cal [pahy-roh-m, uh, -, nahy, -, uh, -k, uh, l] adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyromaniac¹

pyromani(a) ( def ) + -ac ( def )

Example Sentences

It is unlikely to inspire you to go full pyromaniac like Hendrix, but just in case, you might want to have a fire extinguisher handy.

From New York Times

“And I don’t think the pyromaniacs are going to be satisfied after they burned down one House. I think they’re going to have an itching to go burn down a couple more.”

From Washington Times

More still are convinced that pyromaniacs who want to spark chaos are the behind most blazes.

From BBC

The ban, combined with an existing prohibition on fireworks in unincorporated areas, is meant to discourage would-be pyromaniacs from accidentally laying waste to their neighbors’ houses or setting off wildfires that blacken hundreds of acres.

From Seattle Times

A campaign video by Minister of Defence Benny Gantz calls the pair pyromaniacs and warns that Mr Ben-Gvir will "set the country on fire".

From BBC