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

The van ride is almost alarmingly pleasant since Eddie’s either gotten his feet under him or is on the downswing of a manic episode. —Marah Eakin, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025

There are four basic types of the disorder, which are characterized by periods of elation and hyper-activity known as manic episodes, which are then followed by depressive stages where the patient experiences feelings of sadness and depression. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025

And my book is now in wide circulation — anyone is free to read my story of Trump’s manic flights and depressive rages throughout the campaign. —Michael Wolff, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025

During her manic period, her actions toward me were just too much. —Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 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