oniomania

[oh-nee-uh-mey-nee-uh, -meyn-yuh]

noun

1. an uncontrollable desire to buy things.

Other Word Forms

• oniomaniac noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of oniomania¹

< New Latin < Greek ṓni ( os ) for sale (derivative of ônos price) + -o- -o- + Late Latin mania -mania

Example Sentences

Oniomania is the technical term for the compulsive desire to shop, which manifests itself as a preoccupation with buying and engaging in shopping despite the negative consequences.

From US News

Oniomania was first described over a century ago, but there was little interest in exploring it further.

From US News

Shopaholism, or oniomania, is the technical term for the compulsive desire to shop, a condition first diagnosed in 1915, with sufferers often experiencing the highs and lows associated with addiction.

From The Guardian