# maniac

/ˈmeɪniˌæk/ (US) · /mˈeɪnɪˌæk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maniac
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

someone who behaves in a wild, dangerous, or extremely foolish way. You might use this word to describe a person who is acting out of control or driving too fast.

For teachers: a person exhibiting extremely wild, violent, or irrational behaviour. Often used hyperbolically in modern speech to describe someone acting recklessly or with excessive enthusiasm.

## Examples

- Slow down, you are driving like a maniac.
- The crowd went wild, screaming like a bunch of maniacs when the band finally took the stage.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the prepositional phrase 'like a maniac' to modify verbs of action or movement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.