egomania
UK[ˌiːɡəʊˈmeɪniə]US[ˌiːɡoʊˈmeɪniə]
n
an obsessive preoccupation with oneself and one's own needs; self-centeredness to an extreme degree.
n
(in psychology) a pathological self-absorption or self-admiration.
Morpheme Breakdown
ego
mania
ego
i, self
mania
madness, frenzy
Etymology
the term 'egomania' is a modern english compound, formed in the 19th century by directly combining two classical elements. the first part, 'ego', is the latin word for "i" or "the self", which was adopted into english philosophical and psychological vocabulary. the second part, '-mania', derives from ancient greek 'mania', signifying madness or excessive enthusiasm. when fused, the literal construction "madness of the self" vividly captures the psychological concept of an irrational and all-consuming obsession with oneself. this word exemplifies how english creates precise clinical and descriptive terms by logically assembling borrowed morphemes whose original meanings remain transparent.
Analysis
Structure: ego (i, self) + mania (madness, frenzy)
ego: from latin 'ego', meaning "i, the self". functions as the root, denoting the self.
mania: from greek 'mania', meaning "madness, frenzy, enthusiasm". functions as a suffix, denoting an excessive obsession or passion.
Examples
his egomania made it impossible for him to consider anyone else's perspective.
the film portrays the tragic downfall of a billionaire driven by egomania.
critics accused the politician of egomania, citing her constant self-promotion.