# manic

/ˈmænɪk/ (US) · /mˈænɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/manic
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

behaving in a very excited, busy, or nervous way. It describes someone who has too much energy and cannot stay still or calm.

For teachers: characterised by or exhibiting extreme excitement, energy, or frantic activity. Often used to describe a state of high-pressure work or a person's erratic behavior during a period of intense stress.

## Examples

- The office was manic just before the big deadline.
- After three days without sleep, he had a manic look in his eyes and spoke far too quickly.
- The director's manic energy on set was both inspiring and exhausting, as he demanded constant revisions and refused to break for meals until every shot was perfect.

## Usage notes

- Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'seem'.

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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.