manic

adjective

man·​ic ˈma-nik 

: affected with, relating to, characterized by, or resulting from mania

had a manic personality

his manic work pace

manic noun

manically

ˈma-ni-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of manic in a Sentence

a manic sense of humor

Recent Examples on the Web

Whereas Ben [Schwartz as Sonic] is about motormouth fun and manic energy, Shadow is the exact opposite. —Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024

The tension between Hawaiians and the tourism industry reached an apex following the manic rush of post-COVID tourism followed by the Lahaina, Maui wildfire in 2023 which killed more than 100 and displaced thousands in the uber-popular resort destination. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024

Domingo is all calm and cool, while Culkin is manic and constantly in motion. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024

The phrase is practically synonymous with manic post-Thanksgiving shopping in preparation for the December holidays. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Greek manikós "mad, crazy," from manía "madness, frenzy, mania" + -ikos -ic entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1824, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing manic

• manic depression
• manic-depressive
• manic-depressive illness

Medical Definition

manic

1 of 2 adjective

man·​ic ˈman-ik 

: affected with, relating to, or resembling mania

manically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

manic

2 of 2 noun

: an individual affected with mania