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

Someone in a manic episode might start spending large amounts of money, talking fast, or jumping from one project to the next without pause. —Essence, 23 Oct. 2025

There are four basic types of the disorder, which are characterized by periods of elation and hyperactivity known as manic episodes, which are then followed by depressive stages where the patient experiences feelings of sadness and depression. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025

This past spring, sleep deprivation—partially due to a new baby, partially due to Parker’s manic creative process—aggravated his tinnitus. —Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025

Personal opinions about someone aside, a manic episode isn’t a joke. —Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 16 Oct. 2025

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

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