Definition

A person who has a strong desire to set fires or is obsessed with fire.

Example

The pyromaniac was arrested after starting several fires in the neighborhood.

Conversation

Did you hear about that guy who got arrested for starting fires in the park?

Yeah, they said he was a total pyromaniac.

That's so crazy! I can't believe someone would be obsessed with fire like that.

I know, right? It’s really dangerous and just plain weird.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Pyromaniac → It is formed from "pyro-" (from Greek "pur" meaning fire) and "maniac" (from Greek "mania" meaning madness or frenzy). The word describes a person who has a compulsion or madness for setting fires.

Memory Tip

Imagine someone who has a 'frenzy' ('mania') for 'fire' ('pyro-') — that's why a pyromaniac is someone obsessed with fire.

Visually Confused Words