kleptomaniac

American  

[klep-tuh-mey-nee-ak] / ˌklɛp təˈmeɪ niˌæk /

Or cleptomaniac

noun

Psychology.

1. a person who has kleptomania.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of kleptomania or a kleptomaniac.

Etymology

Origin of kleptomaniac

First recorded in 1860–65; kleptomani(a) + -ac

Explanation

If you notice that every time your friend Sarah comes over, all your binder clips and pens disappear, it may be that your friend is a kleptomaniac. If you’ve ever known a kleptomaniac, it won’t surprise you to learn that the word kleptomaniac has origins that trace back to the Greek words for “thief” and “madness.” A kleptomaniac has a mental disorder that compels the person to steal. Unlike a shoplifter, who will steal an item he or she wants or needs, a kleptomaniac steals for the thrill of stealing, often taking items that have little or no value.

Example Sentences

Kleptomaniac?" said her uncle, laughing, "I'm not afraid, or I shouldn't have brought you girls up here.

From Two Little Women on a Holiday by Wells, Carolyn

Who they are and how they are made—Their Methods of Operating and upon whom—The Fashionable Kleptomaniac and her opposite—The Modern Devices of Female Thieves.

From Danger! A True History of a Great City's Wiles and Temptations The Veil Lifted, and Light Thrown on Crime and its Causes, and Criminals and their Haunts. Facts and Disclosures. by Howe, William F.

And if some rude detective's hand Should find beneath your cloak a roll Of muslin, or a cruet-stand That's labelled "Hotel Metropole," With kindly smile you hand them back, A harmless Kleptomaniac!

From Ruthless Rhymes for Heartless Homes by Graham, Harry