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kleptomaniac

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

noun

Psychology.
  1. a person who has kleptomania.


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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing kleptomaniac

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He is a cat burglar - a kleptomaniac kitty who apparently cannot be reformed.

From BBC • Dec. 25, 2022

A man struggles to break the thieving habits of his kleptomaniac wife and restore harmony to their marriage.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2020

The comedy about a kleptomaniac housewife was, The Times reported, one of at least six movies slated to be shot in the city that summer.

From New York Times • Sep. 26, 2019

The next film under Hedren’s contract was Marnie, about a kleptomaniac with mental health problems.

From The Guardian • Oct. 31, 2016

On remand for numerous larcenies: Mulch Diggums, the kleptomaniac dwarf.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer