What Is A Megalomaniac? And, How Can You Deal With One?

Last updated by Katie M.

“No, but in any case, I’m better than you.” Honestly, who likes hearing this kind of sentence? Sometimes, it’s not put so bluntly, but clearly, if we read between the lines, that’s what is meant. An overinflated ego is what defines a megalomaniac, along with a need to put yourself before others… Dealing with a megalomaniac isn’t easy, especially when it’s a daily occurrence! So, if you want a peaceful life, discover the true meaning of this disorder, and follow our tips to making this relationship just that little more bearable.

What Is A Megalomaniac? And, How Can You Deal With One?

Megalomaniac meaning - Here’s the definition

Megalomaniacs are people with a narcissistic personality disorder. Usually, they exaggerate their achievements and think they’re unique, special, or better than others. They often have an inflated sense of self-importance and believe they are destined for greatness, regardless of the reality.

➜ But why?

The psychiatrist Laurent Schmitt explains that megalomaniacs behave in this way after experiencing trauma. For example, not having received enough love during childhood contributes to making a person egocentric. Indeed, for a megalomaniac, a high self-esteem helps to compensate for feelings of inadequacy or rejection. This behavior often masks deep insecurities and unresolved emotional wounds.

💥 However, this kind of person is a nightmare to live with for others, because megalomaniacs assert themselves at the expense of others! Between feelings of inferiority, injustice, and humiliation, it’s not easy to deal with someone with an overinflated ego.

 💡 FAQ - What is the definition of a megalomaniac? ▼

A megalomaniac is an individual who has an obsessive desire for power and dominance, often accompanied by delusions of grandeur and an inflated sense of self-importance. Megalomaniacs typically exhibit an excessive preoccupation with their own abilities, achievements, and importance, believing themselves to be superior to others. This condition can manifest in various ways, including a relentless pursuit of power, control, and admiration, as well as a lack of empathy for others. Megalomania is often associated with narcissistic personality disorder and can lead to manipulative and exploitative behavior. Understanding the traits of a megalomaniac can help in identifying and addressing such behavior in personal and professional relationships.

How can you recognize a megalomaniac?

It’s important to define the characteristics of megalomaniacs before being able to act. This psychological condition often manifests through specific behaviors. Here’s how to recognize a megalomaniac:

  • An overestimation of themselves;
  • Delusions of grandeur;
  • Delusions of power;
  • Self-attribution of extraordinary abilities;
  • An immense desire for glory;
  • Inordinate pride.

➜ Megalomaniacs are often narcissistic perverts, which is why it’s important to recognize them. However, not all megalomaniacs are manipulative; some exhibit these traits without intentionally harming others.

You may be interested in this article >>> How to break up with a narcissistic pervert

How to deal with a megalomaniac?

Whether in a relationship, with a friend, or at work, you must react to megalomaniacs. The problem is that an individual with a huge ego will not take criticism well, even if it’s constructive.

You should therefore not attack a megalomaniac head-on, especially not aggressively. Indeed, this kind of person is rather formidable in a confrontation. You should therefore express your opinion while remaining respectful. Putting your emotions into words is a good way to make an egocentric person realize they’ve gone too far.

  • 💬 For example, someone tells you:  

“Your meal was okay, but I think I could have done better. After all, my father owns a restaurant and I know I’ve got the basics better than you.”

  • ❌ Instead of replying:

“Your remarks are annoying! I feel like you always think you’re best! If you think you can do better, you cook next time, eh!”

  • ✅ Answer instead:

“I’m sad and angry after your remarks about my cooking. I just wanted to please you.”

It’s impossible to deny what others are feeling, unless you’re dealing with a very toxic person. After you’ve expressed your feelings, it’s good to tell the other person that you understand their point of view to show that you’ve listened to them. And the last point to remember is to propose a solution.

In the case of the example, you can add this:

“I know you’re better in the kitchen than me. If you want, next time you can show me how to do it, okay?”

Get help

Depending on the context, it’s possible to get help from a therapist. For example, if you’re in a relationship with a megalomaniac, and you’ve already tried to improve the situation. Indeed, expressing your suffering to a psychologist can be very liberating. It’s sometimes necessary to have someone neutral to identify the attitudes to be improved on both sides.

If you’re confronted with a megalomaniac in another situation (friends, work, or family), expressing your emotions is a good solution. It’s not always possible to do this with the person concerned, which is why psychological support should be considered so that it doesn’t affect your mental health.

Is a megalomaniac a narcissist?

The terms "narcissist" and "megalomaniac" are often used to describe specific personality traits, but they have different meanings:

  • Narcissism: Narcissism refers to excessive preoccupation with oneself, excessive self-love, and high self-esteem. A narcissistic person tends to be egocentric, seeking the admiration of others and having a sense of superiority. Narcissism can manifest itself in arrogant attitudes and a constant need to be admired and validated.
  • Megalomania: Megalomania is a specific aspect of narcissism, but is characterized by a delusional obsession with power, grandeur, and self-importance. A megalomaniac may have fantasies of unlimited power, world fame, or historical greatness. This condition goes beyond simple narcissism and can lead to delusional behavior and grandiose self-perceptions.

In short, a narcissistic person is generally preoccupied with themselves and may seek to be admired, but may not necessarily be a megalomaniac. Megalomania is a more extreme form of narcissism, characterized by delusional fantasies of grandeur and power. It’s important to note that these terms are used in the context of psychology and psychiatry to describe certain behaviors or personality traits, and should not be used lightly to label someone without proper professional assessment.

Editor’s note: Put your suffering into words

If you’ve already tried everything to fix the situation, but the attitude of this megalomaniac continues to make you suffer, you should think about seeing a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Putting into words your feelings, your emotions, and the suffering caused by this relationship will be liberating. Together, you will finally be able to find solutions to get better.

🤗 Understand yourself, accept yourself, be happy... Let’s do it here and now!
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My mother fits much this description except making it her power is an event she said she experience in her twenties that kind of made her know more than anyone on earth! you can imagine that for a child who realizes her only parent as the behavior of a five-year-old when confronted or an entitled 12 when victimization doesn't work...Many times in the last 50 years I have sat and done exactly what you said with love and compassion sharing what I had had to experience from all the lies and stories she came up with, and childish embarrassing behavior throughout my whole life ...Of course after the great acting of oh I didn't know my child suffered so much and I don't know why I'm like that or it was (THEM: meaning encounter of the fourth kind!?) who told me to do that and that and so on(but never her fault/ she has never said I'm sorry in the many time I did make her realize the damage she was responsible for...) But a trauma child usually becomes an empath I read through her lies and always tried as a good daughter to help recognize the damage with compassion...Next day??? All forgotten and manipulation of victimization begin again... Still wander after running away as a teen and her still on my life path, when I will be freed from her grasp As I lost my identity the rest of my family, and my own spirituality in the process... People who don't understand these traumas as said to me repeatedly it is my choice if I still let her in my life... But I didn't she just kreep herself in and I know how dangerous she can be ...Luckily my whole family that finally realize what I've been through are a little more comprehensive and not really supportive .... Baring the embarrassment of all her lies discredited even MY truth of the matter... I have now learn to reconnect to my self-love and self consciousness like an alcoholic One day at a time thank you, for it helps reinforce what we see but can't understand... To any other experiencing a parent like that there is a light and support out there and I believe it is all about embracing our whole self and trusting that better times are ahead once we understand that no matter what, it wasn't our fault and they cannot be help if they can't recognize it! Love and Light VaL'eau

VaLeau, 3 years ago

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