kleptomania

American  

[klep-tuh-mey-nee-uh, -meyn-yuh] / ˌklɛp təˈmeɪ ni ə, -ˈmeɪn yə /

Or cleptomania

noun

Psychology.

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

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kleptomania British  

/ ˌklɛptəʊˈmeɪnɪə /

noun

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

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kleptomania Cultural  

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

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Other Word Forms

• kleptomaniac noun

Etymology

Origin of kleptomania

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

Example Sentences

The play takes the time to introduce their respective demons — alcoholism, kleptomania and violence, among them — then moves on with little resolution.

From Washington Post

She lost several jobs over greedy business negotiations for perks, and even had bouts of kleptomania.

From Washington Times

The judge said a diagnosis of kleptomania is not “a license to steal.”

From Washington Times

Previously, it was categorized alongside impulse-control disorders, such as kleptomania and compulsive shopping.

From Reuters

At the time, the Gillette College student told officers she was working on a paper on the emotions people with kleptomania experience.

From Seattle Times