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

For many, the former Harvard professor was the face of the psychedelic revolution — brilliant but manic, addictive, paranoid, nihilistic, and antiestablishment. — Claire Hoffman, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026

Dudamel, though, leads rehearsals with an intensity that seems too manic to sustain. — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

The idea is simply to reduce overall inertia and make an already manic machine even more eager to change direction (and even easier to lift the front wheel). — New Atlas, 16 Sep. 2026

Created by Walter Lantz, the mischievous bird quickly became known for his distinctive laugh and manic personality. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Sep. 2026

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
• manic episode

Rhymes for manic

• bannock
• laennec
• panic
• stannic
• tannic
• aldermanic
• inorganic
• magellanic
• messianic
• oceanic
• pozzolanic
• talismanic

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