- Definition: Megalomania is a psychological condition characterized by delusional fantasies of power, relevance, omnipotence, and by inflated self-esteem. Historically, it was used to describe a mental illness marked by feelings of great personal power and importance, but in modern times, it’s more commonly used to describe a person’s behaviour or attitude.
- Etymology and Origin: “Megalomania” comes from two Greek words: “megalos,” meaning “large” or “great,” and “mania,” meaning “madness” or “frenzy.” The term entered the English language in the late 19th century to describe a pathological condition where an individual has an exaggerated sense of their significance or power.
Megalomania: Understanding the Delusion of Grandeur – Definition and Origin
