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

Jollotta was concerned Clancy was in a mixed manic or hypomanic state, meaning a combination of manic symptoms like lack of sleep, along with depression. — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026

But then everything changed on a dime, and a manic Cubs season went off the rails again. — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

In graphic clips reposted on social media, Hilton appeared manic and could be seen in the livestream covered in blood and using an object to cut himself repeatedly. — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 6 Aug. 2026

The distant thunder was still faint, but its deep rumble drowned out the manic noise next door, like a great invisible hand reaching out beyond the clouds to crush the multifarious towns below. — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 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