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

Derived Forms

• maˈniacally, adverb

Other Words From

• ma·ni·a·cal·ly adverb
• post·ma·ni·a·cal adjective
• pre·ma·ni·a·cal adjective
• sub·ma·ni·a·cal adjective
• un·ma·ni·a·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of maniacal¹

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

Example Sentences

I’m excited to witness his maniacal vocal stylings on haunting covers of well-known songs, which I’ll probably never be able to hear in quite the same way again.

From Los Angeles Times

The 33-year-old was described as wearing a "maniacal grin" as he built a bonfire and threw missiles at police in Southport on 30 July.

From BBC

But I suppose the fact that he issued so many illegal and maniacal orders that they had to object makes him angry.

From Salon

“The stores require a maniacal focus on the customer experience,” Schultz wrote in a social media missive in May after Starbucks’ earnings miss.

From Seattle Times

Only a maniacal analog devotee like Jack White could find the time and wherewithal to open a plant like his Third Man Pressing in Detroit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• delirious