noun

megalomaniac

meh-guh-loh-MAY-nee-ak

noun

A person with an obsessive desire for power, control, or grandeur.

"The tyrant was a megalomaniac who believed he could never be wrong."

adjective

Showing an excessive desire for power or an inflated sense of self-importance.

"His megalomaniac plans for the company alarmed the board."

How to Use Megalomaniac

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone obsessed with their own power and greatness, or behavior that reflects that obsession.

Common pairings

megalomaniac dictator megalomaniac tendencies

more megalomaniac comparative, megalomaniacs plural, most megalomaniac superlative

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The tyrant was a _____ who believed he could never be wrong.

Built from "megalomania" (from Greek megalo-, "great," plus mania, "madness") plus the suffix "-ac."

zodiac cardiac Pontiac amnesiac brainiac insomniac egomaniac pyromaniac aphrodisiac kleptomaniac nymphomaniac hypochondriac