Maniac
/ˈmeɪ.ni.æk/noun
A person exhibiting extreme symptoms of wild behavior or obsession.
Did you know?The term 'maniac' is derived from the Greek word for 'madness', linking it to the frenzied states of ancient rituals and ecstatic worship.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
μανία (mania)
“Divine madness, frenzy, or obsession.”
Latin
Latin
maniacus
“Of or relating to madness.”
Old French
Old French
maniaque
“Being mad or insane.”
15th Century
Middle English
maniak
“Possessed by madness or extreme enthusiasm.”
Modern English
English
maniac
“A person exhibiting wild behavior or obsessive enthusiasm.”