theomania: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal, Technical (Medical/Psychological)
Quick answer
What does “theomania” mean?
A delusional belief that one is God or divinely chosen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A delusional belief that one is God or divinely chosen.
An excessive or pathological obsession with religious matters, sometimes manifesting as religious fanaticism or a conviction of having a special divine mission.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly clinical/psychopathological connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in everyday language; found almost exclusively in psychiatric literature or historical/religious studies texts.
Grammar
How to Use “theomania” in a Sentence
[Patient] suffers from theomania.[Patient] was diagnosed with theomania.His/Her theomania manifested as...The clinical presentation included theomania.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “theomania” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The condition does not have a standard verb form.
American English
- The condition does not have a standard verb form.
adverb
British English
- The condition does not have a standard adverb form.
American English
- The condition does not have a standard adverb form.
adjective
British English
- theomaniacal beliefs
- a theomaniacal patient
American English
- theomaniacal delusions
- a theomaniacal episode
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in psychiatry, psychology, religious studies, and history to describe a specific pathological condition.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary context; a diagnostic label or descriptive term in clinical settings.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “theomania”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “theomania”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “theomania”
- Using it to mean simply 'very religious' or 'deeply pious'.
- Confusing it with 'theophobia' (fear of God).
- Using it in informal contexts where it sounds jarringly technical.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare, technical term used almost exclusively in clinical psychiatry, psychology, or academic religious studies.
No, that would be incorrect and potentially offensive. The term refers to a pathological, delusional condition, not to normative religious devotion.
Megalomania is a delusion of power, importance, or omnipotence in a general sense. Theomania is a specific subtype where those delusions are religious in nature, e.g., believing one is God or a divine messenger.
Yes, the adjective is 'theomaniacal', as in 'theomaniacal delusions'.
A delusional belief that one is God or divinely chosen.
Theomania is usually formal, technical (medical/psychological) in register.
Theomania: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθiːə(ʊ)ˈmeɪnɪə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθiːoʊˈmeɪniə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is technical and not used idiomatically.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: THEO (God) + MANIA (madness/obsession) = madness about being God.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS OBSESSION IS INSANITY / DIVINITY IS A MENTAL ILLNESS (in the context of the term's use).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'theomania' MOST appropriately used?