-mania
suffix
UK/ˈmeɪ.ni.ə/US/ˈmeɪ.ni.ə/
Used to form nouns indicating an obsession with, or excessive enthusiasm for, something, from Greek ‘mania,’ meaning ‘madness’ or ‘frenzy.’ Examples include ‘kleptomania’ (compulsion to steal), ‘pyromania’ (compulsion to set fires), and ‘bibliomania’ (excessive passion for books).
Example Sentences
Kleptomania often leads individuals to steal items they don't actually need, driven purely by compulsion.
Pyromania involves an irresistible impulse to start fires, posing a serious risk to property and human life.
Bibliomania can cause book lovers to accumulate extensive collections, sometimes beyond their capacity to store or read them.
The suffix '-mania' differentiates these obsessive behaviors from milder interests or preferences, emphasizing an uncontrollable aspect.
People struggling with a form of -mania might benefit from therapy or psychological support, as the compulsion can be damaging both personally and socially.
Not all '-mania' conditions are officially recognized clinical diagnoses, though some forms, like kleptomania, are classified as impulse-control disorders.
Pop culture frequently uses words like 'Beatlemania' to describe the fervent enthusiasm of music fans, extending the suffix to indicate a collective craze rather than a pathological obsession.
From fans waiting in line for days to snatch the latest tech gadget (an example of 'Apple mania') to extreme sports mania, the word '-mania' highlights how excitement and dedication can sometimes border on irrational or all-consuming.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A suffix meaning obsession, enthusiasm, or mental disorder.-mania is used in words to describe excessive enthusiasm, obsession, or a pathological condition. For example, 'pyromania' refers to an obsession with setting fires, while 'bibliomania' indicates an extreme passion for collecting books. The term can describe both clinical conditions and figurative extremes of interest. The prefix determines the specific object of obsession or enthusiasm, making it essential in accurately conveying meaning.
Alternatives
Similar suffixes include -philia (attraction or love), -phobia (fear or aversion), and -itis (inflammation). While -mania focuses on excessive enthusiasm or pathological obsession, -philia conveys affinity or liking without pathological connotations. For example, 'bibliophilia' is the love of books, which contrasts with the obsession implied by 'bibliomania.'
Writing
When using -mania in writing, ensure the context clarifies whether it refers to a clinical condition or a figurative enthusiasm. For example, 'mania' in psychological terms involves serious disorders, while in casual terms, it might denote extreme excitement over a topic.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, -mania can describe extreme enthusiasm, like saying, 'They have a coffee mania!' Ensure the usage doesn't trivialize clinical conditions if referring to mental health.
Etymology
The suffix -mania originates from the Greek word 'mania,' meaning madness or frenzy. It entered English via Latin, often used to describe intense states of mind or behavior. Historically, it has been used both in medical contexts and colloquially to denote extreme passion or obsession.