maniacal

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   wildly irrational, frenzied, or violently excited

   A maniacal rage replaced his usual self-control.

2. 2
   adj

   showing an extreme and obsessive enthusiasm

   She pursued the project with almost maniacal intensity.

Formed from maniac + -al. Maniac came through French maniaque and Late Latin maniacus from Greek maniakos, 'mad or frenzied,' from mania, 'madness or frenzy.' The adjective later broadened to describe extreme or obsessive intensity.

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