megalomaniacal

Megalomaniacal is an adjective used to describe a person who exhibits megalomania. Megalomania is a mental disorder characterized by delusions of grandeur, an obsessive desire for power, and an inflated sense of self-importance. Individuals with megalomania often believe they possess superior abilities, wealth, or fame, and may fantasize about controlling or dominating others.

The term "megalomaniacal" is frequently used in literature, film, and popular culture to portray characters who are power-hungry, arrogant, and possess an exaggerated sense of their own significance. These characters often engage in elaborate schemes to achieve their perceived destiny or to impose their will upon the world. While the term is often applied to fictional villains, it can also be used to describe real individuals whose behavior is perceived as excessively grandiose or domineering.

Psychologically, megalomania is a symptom that can be associated with various mental health conditions, including narcissistic personality disorder, bipolar disorder (during manic episodes), and schizophrenia. However, the term is also used more broadly in a colloquial sense to describe someone who is simply very ambitious and self-confident, sometimes to an excessive degree. It's important to distinguish between genuine clinical megalomania and the everyday use of the term. The adjective implies an extreme and often unrealistic belief in one's own greatness and a desire for absolute control.