What does megalomaniac mean?
A megalomaniac is someone who possesses an exaggerated sense of their own importance and an intense desire for power, recognition, or control. The word is generally negative: it implies not merely ambition, but a scale of self-regard that others may regard as excessive, unreasonable, or dangerous. It is often applied to political rulers, corporate leaders, artists, and powerful fictional characters. The expression can suggest both personal narcissism and a willingness to dominate others. In less formal usage, it may be a broad insult for someone behaving imperiously or making grandiose claims. The related adjective, megalomaniacal, describes qualities associated with such a person or with an exaggerated ambition to achieve great power or status.
A person characterized by exaggerated self-importance and a strong desire for power or domination.
"The dictator was widely regarded as a megalomaniac who regarded himself as superior to everyone around him."
The noun is usually disparaging and is stronger than simply describing someone as ambitious.
Characterized by exaggerated self-importance, grandiosity, or a desire for power and domination.
"His megalomaniac plans for the company alarmed the board."
Less common than the noun and typically used to describe a person, ambition, outlook, or style of leadership.
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple people who are considered megalomaniacs.
"The novel portrays rival megalomaniacs competing for control of the empire."
Megalomaniac combines the Greek sense of “great” with “madness,” turning immense self-belief into a character flaw.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of megalomaniac
The word comes from Greek roots meaning “great” or “large” and “madness,” transmitted through the related English noun megalomania. Megalomaniac was developed as a term for a person affected by this supposed madness of self-importance. The root megal- continues to appear in many English words, although megalomaniac and megalomania are the specific forms associated with extreme ambition and self-regard.
Related word forms
How megalomaniac is actually used
Usually critical and disapproving. It can describe a ruler, creative figure, business leader, or fictional character whose desire for control seems exaggerated.