The spelling of the word "theomaniac" is a combination of theo-, meaning "god" or "religion," and -maniac, meaning "an excessive enthusiast or crazed person." The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /θiːəʊˈmeɪniæk/, with the first syllable pronounced as "thee-oh" and the second syllable pronounced as "man-ee-ak." As a noun, theomaniac refers to someone who is excessively zealous or obsessed with religion or religious beliefs.
The term "theomaniac" refers to an individual who possesses an extreme obsession or compulsion in relation to religious or divine matters. It is a noun derived from combining the Greek word "theos," meaning God, with the suffix "-maniac," which denotes excessive enthusiasm or preoccupation.
A theomaniac is characterized by an overpowering fixation on religious or theological ideas, often to an unhealthy or delusional extent. This can manifest in various ways, such as an incessant preoccupation with religious texts or doctrines, an exaggerated sense of personal religious significance or mission, or an unreasonable and rigid adherence to religious practices or rituals. Theomaniacs may experience a distorted perception of reality, wherein they perceive divine messages or direct communication from a deity, leading to a skewed interpretation of religious texts or prophecies.
Theomaniacs may display intense religious fervor, which can be disruptive to their personal lives or impede their ability to interact with others outside of their religious beliefs. Their behavior may range from being overly zealous or fanatical to exhibiting marked signs of religious delusions or hallucinations.
It is pertinent to note that the term "theomaniac" can be used in a derogatory manner, implying the presence of mental illness or unbalanced mental states. However, it is crucial to approach this term with caution and sensitivity, as genuine mental health conditions should not be trivialized or stigmatized.
A subject of theomania.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "theomaniac" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "theos" (θεός) meaning "god" and "mania" (μανία) meaning "madness" or "obsession". Thus, the word "theomaniac" describes a person who exhibits excessive enthusiasm, obsession, or madness relating to or about gods or religious matters.