maniac
(adjective)
LISTEN
A maniac is an insane person; a lunatic.
- There is a maniac in the neighborhood shooting at random cars.
- Some maniac is driving the wrong way on the highway.
A maniac can also be someone who is very enthusiastic about something.
- Hector's old roommate was a maniac about neatness.
- Allison is a complete maniac when it comes to Lord of the Rings.
Did you know?
Maniac is a term that is used informally–not by scientists. Some people find casual terms that refer to mental health offensive, so don’t call someone a maniac to their face–especially if they are mentally unstable.
Related words
maniacal: of or pertaining to a maniac. Example: “The horror story was about a maniacal scientist.”
In pop culture
Flashdance is a 1983 American film starring Jennifer Beals as a passionate young dancer who works on a steel mill. Listen to the main song, “Maniac”, and dance along!
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