kleptomania

or clep·to·ma·ni·a

[ klep-tuh-mey-nee-uh, -meyn-yuh ]

noun

, Psychology.

1. an irresistible impulse to steal, stemming from emotional disturbance rather than economic need.

kleptomania

/ ˌklɛptəʊˈmeɪnɪə /

noun

1. psychol a strong impulse to steal, esp when there is no obvious motivation

kleptomania

1. A compulsion to steal, usually without either economic need or personal desire.

Derived Forms

• ˌkleptoˈmaniˌac, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of kleptomania¹

1820–30; klepto- (combining form of Greek kléptēs thief ) + -mania

Word History and Origins

Origin of kleptomania¹

C19: klepto- from Greek kleptēs thief, from kleptein to steal + -mania

Example Sentences

Its exercise would probably be classed with kleptomania and other like excesses of purely personal consideration.

From Project Gutenberg

Another periodical insanity is kleptomania, in which insane stealing occurs at intervals of greater or lesser regularity.

From Project Gutenberg

He is as yet not ready to agree that some sex difficulty is the only conflict back of kleptomania.

From Project Gutenberg

The awful impulse of kleptomania alone seemed to explain but scarcely palliate his first offence against society.

From Project Gutenberg

I recollect how there used to be a regular little joke at her expense on the subject of kleptomania.

From Project Gutenberg