monomania
UK: ˌmɒnəʊˈmeɪniə | US: ˌmɑːnoʊˈmeɪniə
n. A pathological obsession with a single subject or idea.
n. (Psychology) A mental condition characterized by excessive focus on one thing to the exclusion of others.
monomania = mono<single> + mania<madness>
- mono (from Greek monos, meaning "single" or "alone")
- mania (from Greek mania, meaning "madness" or "frenzy")
Etymology Origin:
The word monomania emerged in the early 19th century, combining Greek roots to describe a psychiatric condition where a person fixates obsessively on one idea. The prefix mono- emphasizes singularity, while -mania conveys irrational intensity. Originally used in medical contexts, it later broadened to describe any extreme preoccupation.
His monomania about cleanliness made him wash his hands dozens of times a day.
The artist’s monomania for perfection left her unable to finish any painting.
Critics accused the politician of monomania in his relentless focus on tax reform.
In the novel, the villain’s monomania for revenge drives the plot forward.
Early psychiatrists often misdiagnosed monomania as a form of hysteria.