manic

man-ic · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    (psychology) Relating to or affected by mania; showing wild, uncontrolled excitement.

  2. 2.

    Characterized by frenzied activity or excitement.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    manic depression — Older term for bipolar disorder.
  • •
    manic episode — A period of abnormally elevated mood and energy.

Related words

Antonyms: calm, depressed, stable
See also: bipolar, mania, maniac
Synonyms: frenzied, hyperactive, wild

Etymology

From Greek mania ("madness, frenzy") + -ic (adjective suffix). The term became prominent in psychiatry to describe the elevated mood state in bipolar disorder.