Definition

A person who has an obsession with power and believes they are much more important or powerful than they really are.

Example

The CEO was a megalomaniac who thought he could control everything in the company.

Conversation

Did you hear about that new CEO?

Yeah, I heard he’s quite the megalomaniac in the office.

It’s crazy how some people get so power-hungry.

I know, right? It makes teamwork really tough.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Megalomaniac → It is formed from "megalo-" (from Greek "megalos", meaning large or great) and "mania" (from Greek "mania", meaning madness or obsession). The word describes a person with an obsession for power or greatness, often to an exaggerated degree.

Memory Tip

Think of someone with a 'great' ('megalo-') 'madness' ('mania') for power — that's what a megalomaniac is.

Visually Confused Words