maniac
/ˈmeɪ.ni.æk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmeɪ.ni.æk/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmā-nē-ˌak/ (ame, mw) · /ˈmeɪniæk/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈmeɪniæk/ (ame, ipa)
maniac — noun
- maniacsingular
- maniacsplural
1. someone who is extremely interested in a particular activity or hobby, spending
someone who is extremely interested in a particular activity or hobby, spending a lot of time and energy on it
Haruki is a fitness maniac who goes to the gym before sunrise every morning.
noun + maniac: describes enthusiasm for an activity
Mei-Lin's reputation as a film maniac was well-deserved — she had watched over a thousand movies from around the world.
The cooking class was full of baking maniacs eager to learn new techniques.
Amir became a cycling maniac after completing his first long-distance race.
Weekends turned Ingrid into a gardening maniac, planting and pruning from dawn to dusk.
- enthusiast
more neutral and formal; does not suggest obsession
- fanatic
stronger and can imply extreme or unreasonable devotion
- devotee
suggests loyalty and dedication rather than wild enthusiasm
- buff
informal, usually for someone with deep knowledge of a topic
文法句型
[noun] maniac
maniac for [noun]
用法筆記
Used with a preceding noun to indicate what activity the person is obsessed with: fitness maniac, film maniac, cycling maniac, etc. This sense is not offensive.
常見錯誤
2. a person who behaves in a wild or dangerous way without thinking about risks or
a person who behaves in a wild or dangerous way without thinking about risks or the safety of others
Some maniac tried to overtake us on a blind curve at top speed.
some maniac: referring to an unknown reckless person
Kwame called the police after a maniac drove through the market square at midnight.
a maniac + specific reckless action
The driver was a complete maniac, weaving between cars on the highway.
Only a total maniac would try to climb that cliff without any safety gear.
Fatima described her neighbour as an absolute maniac who plays loud music until dawn.
- lunatic
similarly informal but more offensive; avoid in most contexts
- madman
stronger and more dated; can be offensive
- psychopath
different meaning — refers to a specific personality disorder, not just recklessness
文法句型
(complete/total/absolute) maniac
用法筆記
This sense can be offensive if used to refer to someone with a mental health condition. It is informal and should be avoided in formal writing or professional settings. The word is not a clinical term.
常見錯誤
maniac — adjective
- maniacpositive
- more maniaccomparative
- most maniacsuperlative
1. done or said in an extremely wild, excited, or uncontrolled way that is not typi
done or said in an extremely wild, excited, or uncontrolled way that is not typical of normal behaviour
The comedian's maniac laugh had the entire audience in stitches.
maniac + noun describing behaviour
Diego made a maniac dash through the airport terminal to catch his flight.
The movie villain had a maniac plan to destroy the city's power grid.
Sofia gave a maniac grin as she revealed her surprise birthday decorations.
The car sped down the narrow road at maniac speed, scattering chickens and dogs.
- calm
the opposite of wild or excited behaviour
- controlled
implies restraint and careful action
文法句型
maniac + [noun]
用法筆記
The adjective form is almost always used directly before a noun (attributive position) — e.g. 'maniac laugh', not 'the laugh was maniac'. It is informal and can sound dated. For a more neutral alternative in formal writing, use 'wild', 'frenzied', or 'frantic'. Be aware that some people may find this word offensive when used to describe behaviour they associate with mental illness.