rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymaniacPerson experiencing mental disturbance
noun

maniac

An outdated term for a person experiencing mania or severe mental disturbance.

The old medical report describes a patient as a maniac.

Etymology
maniacGreekaffected by mania

Greek maniakos means affected by mania. The historical label applied that condition directly to a person, often more broadly than the modern clinical term would justify.

More examples

  • The museum explains why doctors no longer call patients maniacs.
  • Her essay criticizes the outdated label maniac for people experiencing mania.
  • In this historical account, maniac refers to someone with severe mental disturbance.

Forms

maniac · maniacs

mania noun — Extreme mood elevation, often with heightened activity.

Similar words

lunatic
Another outdated label, not specifically tied to episodes of mania.
madman
A dated, male-specific term that does not specifically indicate mania.