maniacally

[ muh-nahy-uh-klee ]

adverb

1. in a way that is reminiscent of a violently insane person:

   A touch on the shoulder would likely be received differently from a smiling person than from a person who is laughing maniacally.

2. in an overzealous or excessively enthusiastic way; fanatically:

   Far from being the maniacally focused, late-night or early-morning types, truly creative innovators and problem solvers have a rich life outside of work.

3. in a way that is related to or typical of manic disorder:

   I can tell I'm maniacally spending if I stop and pay attention to how many purchases I have to return.

Other Words From

• sub·ma·ni·a·cal·ly adverb
• un·ma·ni·a·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of maniacally¹

maniacal ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

But now and then, one of those demons sneaks into the outside world, plants a red flag and screams out maniacally, “Dwaaaagaahaha!”

From Los Angeles Times

Over the weekend, Musk leapt maniacally behind Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.

From Salon

Nearly three decades after being the maniacally driven quarterback who wasn’t afraid to square up with his defensive teammate, Harbaugh is bringing the same fire to the franchise as its head coach.

From Los Angeles Times

“Singularly, almost maniacally, devoted to one thing, they practice an attention to detail that is as precise and exacting as it is gorgeous in its finished quality.”

From Los Angeles Times

Don’t be fooled, however: The maniacally focused McVay loves not having to deal with distractions at work, even pleasant ones.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• madly
• wildly