manic-depressive

adjective

man·​ic-de·​pres·​sive ˌma-nik-di-ˈpre-siv How to pronounce manic-depressive (audio)
: characterized by or affected with either mania or depression or alternating mania and depression (as in bipolar disorder)
manic-depressive noun

Examples of manic-depressive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bipolar disorder is a manic-depressive illness of the brain that causes extreme changes in mood and energy levels, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 3 June 2024 Taylor Tomlinson Felt 'Embarrassed' About Her Bipolar Diagnosis, Took a 'Long Time to Accept' It Bipolar disorder is a manic-depressive illness of the brain that causes extreme changes in mood and energy levels, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024 Zavala’s feature debut, a coming of age drama in which Lucca, 9, attempts to heal his manic-depressive mother. Pablo Sandoval, Variety, 23 Nov. 2023 Long before this, he had also been diagnosed as having manic-depressive bipolar disorder. Doreen St. Félix, The New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2023 In 1970, Monk’s manic-depressive episodes worsened, along with his physical health; his career went into decline, and his performances became rarer. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'manic-depressive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

manic + depressive entry 1, after German manisch-depressiv

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of manic-depressive was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near manic-depressive

Cite this Entry

“Manic-depressive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/manic-depressive. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

manic-depressive

1 of 2 adjective
man·​ic-de·​pres·​sive ˌman-ik-di-ˈpres-iv How to pronounce manic-depressive (audio)
: characterized by or affected with either mania or depression or alternating mania and depression (as in bipolar disorder)

manic-depressive

2 of 2 noun
: a manic-depressive individual
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!