megalomaniac
A politician displays megalomaniac tendencies by demanding a statue in his own honor.
Noun A person who suffers from megalomania; specifically, a pathological egotist characterized by an obsessive desire for power, an inflated sense of self-importance, and delusions of grandeur, often to a degree that is considered mentally unhealthy.
The term "megalomaniac" is used to describe a person whose behavior and beliefs are dominated by an extreme and irrational sense of their own power, importance, or brilliance. It is a clinical and often critical term. * The ruthless dictator was denounced as a dangerous megalomaniac who believed he was destined to rule the world. * In the film, the villain is a classic megalomaniac, obsessed with building a weapon to control global weather. * Historians often debate whether certain conquerors were strategic geniuses or simply megalomaniacs.
- Used attributively (as an adjective-like noun): The word can function attributively to describe other nouns.
- He outlined his megalomaniac scheme to build a city named after himself.
- The CEO's megalomaniac tendencies alienated the entire board of directors.
- Megalomania (noun): The condition or mental state itself; the obsession with grandiose or extravagant things, especially the obsessive desire for power.
- His plans for a 500-foot statue were clear signs of megalomania.
- Megalomaniacal (adjective): The standard adjective form describing something related to or characteristic of a megalomaniac.
- She was alarmed by his megalomaniacal rant about his own infallibility.
- Egomaniac: A person who is obsessively self-centered. (This is a very close synonym but may emphasize vanity over grand political/social power.)
- Narcissist: A person with an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves. (This is a broader psychological term; a megalomaniac is often considered an extreme type of narcissist focused on power and grandeur.)
- Autocrat / Tyrant: A ruler with absolute power who exercises it oppressively. (These describe the political role, while "megalomaniac" describes the psychological drive behind it.)
- Delusions of grandeur / Grandiose delusions: This is the core clinical symptom associated with megalomania. It is often used to explain the mindset of a megalomaniac.
- His claim to be the reincarnation of a pharaoh was a clear delusion of grandeur.
- A god complex: (Informal idiom) An unshakable belief characterized by consistently inflated feelings of personal ability, privilege, or infallibility, akin to a megalomaniac.
- The surgeon was known for his brilliant skill but also for his god complex.
A politician displays megalomaniac tendencies by demanding a statue in his own honor.
- a pathological egotist