noun

megalomaniac

meh-guh-loh-MAY-nee-ak

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Megalomaniac (noun) means a person with an obsessive desire for power, control, or grandeur. Example: “The tyrant was a megalomaniac who believed he could never be wrong.”

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

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: megalomaniacs
Comparative: more megalomaniac
Superlative: most megalomaniac

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

Etymology

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

Origin: Greek

Rhymes for megalomaniac

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

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Frequently asked questions

What does “megalomaniac” mean?

The word “megalomaniac” means a person with an obsessive desire for power, control, or grandeur. In plain terms, someone obsessed with their own power and greatness, or behavior that reflects that obsession.

How do you pronounce “megalomaniac”?

“Megalomaniac” is pronounced meh-guh-loh-MAY-nee-ak (/ˌmɛɡəloʊˈmeɪniæk/ in IPA).

How do you use “megalomaniac” in a sentence?

Here is “megalomaniac” used in a sentence: “The tyrant was a megalomaniac who believed he could never be wrong.”

What part of speech is “megalomaniac”?

Depending on how it is used, “megalomaniac” can be a noun and an adjective.

Where does the word “megalomaniac” come from?

The word “megalomaniac” comes from Greek. Built from "megalomania" (from Greek megalo-, "great," plus mania, "madness") plus the suffix "-ac.".

How many meanings does “megalomaniac” have?

“Megalomaniac” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person with an obsessive desire for power, control, or grandeur.