Definition
Megalomania is a mental disorder characterized by delusions of grandeur, power, wealth, or talent beyond what a person actually possesses. It is a pathological condition in which an individual has an inflated sense of self-importance, and may also exhibit narcissistic and egotistical behaviors.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun.
Synonyms
Narcissism, egotism, self-aggrandizement, self-importance, self-obsession, pomposity, hubris, delusions of grandeur.
Antonyms
Humility, modesty, selflessness, self-effacement, self-denial, unpretentiousness.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | megalomanias, megalomania, megalomaniacs, megalomaniac |
| Verb | None |
| Adjective | megalomanic, megalomaniacal |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The politician’s megalomania was evident in his speech as he promised to revolutionize the country and make himself the supreme leader.
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The billionaire’s megalomania knew no bounds as he spent millions on lavish parties and bought expensive cars just to show off his wealth.
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The cult leader’s megalomania led to him believing that he was the Messiah, and his followers blindly followed him, leading to tragic consequences.
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The CEO’s megalomania caused him to make reckless business decisions, leading to the downfall of the company and loss of thousands of jobs.
Usage
Megalomania is a word derived from the Greek word ‘megalō’, meaning great or large, and ‘-mania’, meaning obsession or compulsion. The word describes a mental condition where an individual deludes themselves into believing that they are incredibly powerful or important.
It is commonly used in psychiatry to describe individuals who exhibit narcissistic and egotistical qualities, with a tendency towards grandiosity, arrogance, and an inflated sense of self-worth. Sometimes, the condition is caused by an underlying psychological disorder, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
The word ‘megalomania’ can also have prefixes such as ‘hyper-’, ‘para-’, and ‘poly-’, used in certain contexts to mean excessive, beyond or extreme. For instance, hyper-megalomania describes a level of megalomania that goes beyond the norm, while para-megalomania describes a condition where an individual believes they are a superhuman entity or paranormal being.
Megalomania can have severe implications in different aspects of life, especially when it is accompanied by coercive personality traits like manipulative behavior, abuse of power, and the tendency to put others in danger in order to fulfill one’s own desires. It is a cautionary term that is often used to describe dictators and world leaders who exhibit a disregard for human rights and exhibit consciousness without remorse.
In conclusion, megalomania represents an extremely dangerous mental condition that can have severe implications not only for the affected individual but also for the society they live in. Its usage is important in understanding the behavior of people in both personal and professional contexts, and dealing with them appropriately.